The primary Starlink satellites to affix SpaceX’s megaconstellation in 2026 have been launched right this moment (Jan. 4) on a model new Falcon 9 rocket.
“Deployment of 29 Starlink satellites confirmed,” SpaceX posted to the social media community X.
The Falcon 9’s first stage (Booster 1101) made its first return to Earth, touching down on the drone ship “Simply Learn the Directions,” which was pre-staged within the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX’s Starlink community, which is approaching 9,500 energetic satellites, offers entry to broadband web in areas world wide the place connectively is in any other case sparse or nonexistent. This now consists of Venezuela, after the U.S. raid on the nation’s capital, seizing President Nicolás Maduro.
“Starlink is offering free broadband service to the folks of Venezuela by means of February 3, guaranteeing continued connectivity,” SpaceX introduced on X on Sunday.
The launch was SpaceX’s second for 2026, 595th accomplished since 2008 and 555th touchdown since 2015.
