53 more steps toward global internet

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX expanded its constellation of low Earth orbit satellites on Saturday with the launch of 53 Starlink satellites from Florida.

A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 7:19 a.m. EST and deployed the satellites about 16 minutes after launch.

The rocket’s reusable first stage, which has been used for multiple launches, including the first crewed test flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, successfully returned and landed on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

Starlink is a satellite-based global internet system that SpaceX has been building for years to bring internet access to underserved areas of the world.

Last week, SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station, including the 600th person to reach space in 60 years.

(AP/SpaceX) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Saturday carrying 53 Starlink satellites that will expand the company’s constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. Starlink is a satellite-based global internet system that SpaceX has been building for years to take internet access to underserved areas of the world.

(AP/SpaceX) The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off Saturday from Cape Canaveral, Fla.