KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX has sent another batch of Starlink satellites to orbit.
What You Need To Know
- Falcon 9 rocket carried another batch of Starlink satellites
- Get more space coverage and the launch schedule here
- SEE BELOW: See SpaceX's Falcon 9 take off ▼
The 12th Starlink mission took off from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center at 8:46 a.m. ET Thursday, a few days later than originally planned.
LIFTOFF! @SpaceX #Starlink @45thSpaceWing @NASAKennedy @MyNews13 #News13Brevard @Jon_Shaban pic.twitter.com/U8qoj0lrGm
— Greg Pallone (@gpallone13) September 3, 2020
The Falcon 9 rocket was carrying dozens of Starlink satellites for a constellation around Earth that will eventually comprise tens of thousands of satellites. The network, which will take years to complete, is intended to expand internet access to underserved areas.
SpaceX says initial tests of the Starlink system show high download speeds with "super low latency," which means the network is showing only small delay times.
After the launch, SpaceX successfully landed the Falcon 9's first-stage booster and its two faring halves on the company's drone ship out in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX's first launch attempt was scheduled to go up Sunday morning, but the company stood down just over two hours before scheduled liftoff because of poor weather conditions.
Up next on the Space Coast is a second try launching a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy on the NROL-44 mission.
It was delayed after an issue last weekend. We will let you know when a new date is set.