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As SpaceX shifts its focus back to launching Starlink satellites following the recent advancements with its Starship program, the company is set for an exciting week ahead. With four launches on the schedule, the emphasis on expanding the Starlink constellation is clear. This week marks a significant return to action after a brief pause and offers a glimpse into the future of satellite internet.
SpaceX’s ambitious plan includes launching around 7,500 of the newly designed v2 Mini Starlink satellites into orbit. As of now, 2,963 have been successfully launched, with only 97 having deorbited, which leaves 2,866 operational satellites currently in orbit. This impressive infrastructure is paving the way for enhanced global internet coverage and connectivity.
The new v2 Mini satellites are notably lighter, weighing in at approximately 575 kg—almost 22% lighter than their predecessors. This reduction in mass allows Falcon 9 rockets to carry more satellites per launch, thereby increasing launch frequency and efficiency. The upcoming missions are proof of this enhanced capability, with the first mission of the week aiming to deploy 21 new Starlink satellites including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell technology.
Details of the launches are as follows:
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Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 13-1
- Launch Date: January 21 at 12:59 AM EST (05:59 UTC)
- Launch Location: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
- Payload: 21 Starlink v2 Mini satellites
- Orbit: 43-degree inclination with initial altitude between 272 km and 283 km
- Booster Recovery: A Shortfall Of Gravitas stationed for recovery operations
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Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 11-8
- Launch Date: January 21 at 7:24 AM PST (15:24 UTC)
- Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
- Payload: 27 v2 Mini satellites
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