SpaceX successfully launched the first batch of Starlink satellites of 2026 on January 04, using a brand new Falcon 9 rocket. The mission carried 29 Starlink broadband satellites, marking the first addition to the constellation this year.
The Falcon 9 lifted off at 01:48 a.m. EST, or 06:48 GMT, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The satellites, designated Starlink Group 6 88, reached low Earth orbit about 9 minutes after liftoff and were deployed successfully around 1 hour later.
“Deployment of 29 Starlink satellites confirmed,” SpaceX said in a post on X.
The rocket featured a newly built first stage booster, known as Booster 1101. After completing its ascent duties, the booster returned safely to Earth and landed on the drone ship “Just Read the Instructions,” which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the first successful landing for the new booster.
Starlink, SpaceX’s global satellite internet system, is now nearing 9500 active satellites in orbit. The network delivers broadband connectivity to regions where internet access is limited or unavailable.
SpaceX also highlighted recent Starlink support for Venezuela. “Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 03, ensuring continued connectivity,” the company said in another post on X.
The mission was SpaceX’s second launch of 2026. It was also the company’s 595th launch since 2008 and the 555th successful booster landing since 2015, underlining the company’s growing launch cadence and reusability record.
With this mission, SpaceX continues to expand its satellite network while maintaining a steady pace of launches at the start of the new year.
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