SpaceX Falcon 9 deploys 20 Starlink satellites (November 13, 2024)

On November 13, 2024, SpaceX launched a new Falcon 9 rocket to orbit carrying a set of 20 Starlink satellites including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities.

The company has been launching these new direct-to-cell satellites to provide a new direct communication service that doesn’t require an external device such as a Starlink terminal. Instead, the direct-to-cell connects with a smartphone to provide internet.

After adding these 13 direct-to-cell satellites, the company is three missions short of completing these satellites.

Besides, SpaceX is sending Starlink communication satellites to provide better connectivity for existing customers across the globe.

SpaceX launched the latest Starlink mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

After completing the hot staging, the second stage led the mission to orbit, while the first stage maneuvered back to Earth and landed on a droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

This was the 8th flight for the first stage booster and it previously supported Oneweb 4, USSF-62, and five Starlink missions.

Next Mission

SpaceX is now aiming Thursday morning to launch 24 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Florida at 5:45 a.m. ET.