SpaceX launched 23 more Starlink satellites on December 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, called Starlink 12-5, took off at 12:12:30 a.m. EST from pad 40. The launch included 13 satellites with Direct to Cell (DTC) capabilities.
These satellites will allow unmodified cell phones to connect to the internet in remote areas. SpaceX confirmed that all 23 satellites were successfully deployed about an hour after liftoff. The satellites were placed into an orbit about 293 by 286 km above Earth, tilted at 43 degrees.
The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster landed on the SpaceX droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” after launch.
Starlink satellites launch and deployment
This was the booster’s second flight, having previously launched the GOES-U mission for NOAA and NASA in June 2024.
The December 8 launch followed another Starlink DTC satellite mission on December 5 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. With that launch, SpaceX completed its first orbital shell of DTC satellites. So far, SpaceX has launched 362 DTC Starlink satellites.
The company plans to launch more satellites in the future to improve the constellation’s capabilities. The Starlink launches are part of SpaceX’s efforts to provide global internet coverage, especially in areas with limited access. The company has also made progress with its Starship launch vehicle, despite some setbacks in testing.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
