SpaceX satellites are intent on internet
2nd batch goes up with eye on giving more online access
SpaceX launched 60 of its Starlink satellites on Monday morning, marking the second batch of satellites that the commercial space company has propelled into orbit to provide high-speed, reliable internet to all corners of the Earth.
The launch occurred at 8:56 a.m. from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It also marked the first time that SpaceX has reflown a fairing, the nose cone that protects the vehicle and its payloads, and the first time a Falcon 9 rocket booster has been flown and recovered four times. The boosters are designed to be used 10 times.
SpaceX launched its first 60 Starlink satellites in May. About five months later, on Oct. 22, SpaceX founder Elon Musk sent a tweet using the satellites.
SpaceX is launching thousands — and potentially tens of thousands — of these satellites to create a constellation in lowEarth orbit that can provide broadband internet to people who currently have little or no access to it, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.
The satellites will orbit the Earth at an altitude of 342 miles. SpaceX plans to begin providing internet service to the northern U.S. and Canada next year. It will be available globally after an expected 24 launches.
SpaceX has a significant presence in the Brownsville area, where it is developing and testing a spaceship to take humans to the moon, Mars and beyond. SpaceX plans to launch from its facility near Boca Chica beach. SpaceX also tests every one of its rocket engines in McGregor.