SpaceX launches 56 new Starlink broadband satellites into orbit

SpaceX has now launched approximately 4,400 satellites for Starlink, the company's massive and rapidly expanding broadband mega constellation.

In the company's latest successful mission, SpaceX launched a new set of Starlink broadband satellites into orbit early Sunday morning (May 14) and landed a rocket at sea. On Sunday, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 56 Starlink spacecraft launched off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The Falcon 9's first stage landed on the SpaceX droneship, which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, 8.5 minutes after liftoff. According to a SpaceX mission description, this will be the eleventh launch and landing for this particular booster. Meanwhile, the Falcon 9's upper stage sent the 56 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. All 56 are expected to be deployed approximately 65 minutes following launch.

SpaceX has now launched approximately 4,400 satellites for Starlink, the company's massive and rapidly expanding broadband mega constellation. Over 4,000 of these spacecraft are currently operational. The Falcon 9 launch on Sunday was the 29th of the year and SpaceX's 31st orbital mission in 2023. SpaceX's powerful Falcon Heavy rocket launched the other two orbital trips.