SpaceX Launches 28 More Starlink Satellites to Orbit from California
In a recent development, SpaceX has once again demonstrated its prowess in satellite technology by launching 28 Starlink satellites into orbit from California's central coast on Thursday, December 4. This launch marks the 156th Falcon 9 liftoff of 2025, extending SpaceX's single-year record. The mission continues the company's ambitious goal of building a massive constellation of satellites for global internet coverage.
The Falcon 9's upper stage carried the 28 Starlink satellites towards low Earth orbit, where they will be deployed about an hour after liftoff, assuming all goes according to plan. This launch brings the total number of Starlink satellites in operation to over 9,000, with more than 10,000 launched over the past 6.5 years. SpaceX's rapid expansion in satellite deployment has sparked both excitement and concerns about the potential environmental impact of such a large constellation.
Michael Wall, a Senior Space Writer with Space.com, provided insights into the launch, highlighting the significance of this mission in the context of SpaceX's broader goals. Wall, who joined the team in 2010, primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight, and military space, but has also explored the space art beat. His book, 'Out There,' published in 2018, delves into the search for alien life. Before becoming a science writer, Wall worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist, bringing a diverse background to his coverage of space exploration.
As SpaceX continues to innovate in satellite technology, the company's efforts to provide global internet coverage remain a topic of both fascination and debate. The launch of 28 more Starlink satellites is a testament to SpaceX's commitment to this ambitious project, and it will be intriguing to see how this constellation evolves in the coming years.
