SpaceX aims to launch 1st Starlink satellites of 2025 today, and you can watch live – Space.com
Liftoff occurred at 3:43 p.m ET today (Jan. 6).
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
SpaceX launched the first batch of its internet satellites this year from Florida’s Space Coast today (Jan. 6).A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 of the company’s Starlink spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station today at 3:43 p.m EDT (2043 GMT).The Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth about eight minutes after liftoff as planned, touching down on the SpaceX droneship “Just Read the Instructions” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.It was the 17th launch and landing for this particular booster, according to a SpaceX mission description. Ten of those flights have been Starlink missions, and one has been crewed with astronauts — the Crew 5 mission to the International Space Station on behalf of NASA. — SpaceX launches 1st Falcon 9 rocket of 2025, sends Thuraya 4 communications satellite to orbit (video) — SpaceX’s last launch of 2024 puts Starlink satellites into orbit (video) — SpaceX’s big year: The new records and feats Elon Musk’s space company achieved in 2024The Falcon 9’s upper stage is expected to continue carrying the 24 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit, where they will be deployed about 65 minutes after liftoff.Starlink is the largest satellite constellation ever deployed — and it’s continuously growing, as today’s launch demonstrates. There are currently more than 6,850 active Starlink spacecraft, according to satellite tracker and astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:50 p.m. ET to reflect SpaceX’s most recent launch time. It was updated again at 3:55 p.m. ET with news of successful launch and rocket landing.Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.Robert Pearlman is a space historian, journalist and the founder and editor of collectSPACE.com, a daily news publication and community devoted to space history with a particular focus on how and where space exploration intersects with pop culture. Pearlman is also a contributing writer for Space.com and co-author of “Space Stations: The Art, Science, and Reality of Working in Space” published by Smithsonian Books in 2018.In 2009, he was inducted into the U.S. Space Camp Hall of Fame in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2021, he was honored by the American Astronautical Society with the Ordway Award for Sustained Excellence in Spaceflight History. In 2023, the National Space Club Florida Committee recognized Pearlman with the Kolcum News and Communications Award for excellence in telling the space story along the Space Coast and throughout the world. NASA will announce update to Mars sample return plans on Jan. 7. Here’s how to listen inBlue Origin is expected to launch its 1st New Glenn rocket next week, but when?Springtime on Mars brings frost avalanches, gas geysers and explosions (photos)Space is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.©
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,
New York,
NY 10036.
Source: https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-launch-group-6-71
