When you make a purchase through links in our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
1 credit
The first Starlink satellites, which will join SpaceX's mega-constellation in 2026, were launched today (January 4) on a new Falcon 9 rocket.
The new launch vehicle, carrying 29 broadband Internet repeaters, lifted off Sunday at 1:48 a.m. EST (0648 GMT) from Spaceport 40 Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Satellites (Starlink Group 6-88) reached low earth orbit approximately nine minutes after liftoff and were successfully deployed approximately an hour later.
“The deployment of 29 Starlink satellites is confirmed,” SpaceX said in a release. social network X.
Falcon 9first stage(Booster 1101) made his first return to Earth, landing on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship, which had been pre-positioned in the Atlantic Ocean.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Sunday, January 4, 2026. | 1 credit
The SpaceX Starlink network, which approaching 9500 active satellitesprovides broadband Internet access to areas around the world where connectivity is sparse or non-existent. Now this includes Venezuela after the US raid on the country's capital and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
“Starlink is providing free broadband service to Venezuelans until February 3rd, ensuring always-on connectivity.” – SpaceX announced X on Sunday.
The launch was SpaceX's second in 2026, its 595th since 2008 and its 555th landing since 2015.
