SpaceX launches another 60 Starlink satellites, now launched at 300 in just over a month – TechCrunch

SpaceX has launched a number of other Starlink satellites, which will maintain the fast launch pace for the broadband constellation it uses in low-Earth orbit. It now makes 300 Starlink satellites launched since March 4, with 60 on each of five flights between then and now.

The most recent launch before it took place on March 24, with previous flights on March 14, March 11 and March 4. The pace is deliberately fast, as SpaceX has said it wants to launch a total of 1,500 Starlink satellites during this period. calendar year. Prior to the particularly busy month, SpaceX also flew four other Starlink missions, including a shared ride on SpaceX’s first dedicated driving mission that also transported satellites for other customers.

In total, SpaceX has now launched 1,443 satellites for its Starlink constellation. However, this does not reflect the total number of satellites on orbit, as a handful of the earlier satellites were organized as planned. In total, the final planned size of the constellation is expected to include up to 42,000 spacecraft, based on the current FCC frequency spectrum filing.

SpaceX recently signed a new agreement with NASA outlining how the two organizations will avoid close approaches or collisions between their respective spacecraft. NASA has measures that require all launchers to follow to avoid such incidents, but the scope and frequency of SpaceX’s Starlink missions necessitated an additional, more comprehensive agreement.

This launch also included a landing of the used Falcon 9 booster, the seventh of which was so far. The booster hits as intended at SpaceX’s floating landing site in the Atlantic Ocean and will be refurbished for another possible reuse. SpaceX will also be looking for the envelope halves at sea, the two cargo covers that envelop the satellites during takeoff. The company actually put only two ships they used out of service to catch it out of the air while it was falling, delayed by parachutes, but it is still looking to retrieve it from the ocean after the splash for reuse.