SpaceX is making waves in the internet world again. On May 31, they launched 27 new satellites into orbit as part of their Starlink network.
The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Vandenberg Space Force Station in California at 1:10 PM PDT (4:10 PM EDT). Eight minutes later, the rocket’s first stage landed on a drone ship in the ocean, marking its 25th flight. This was also the 14th time it supported a Starlink mission.
Once in space, the satellites aimed to deploy about an hour after liftoff. Starlink, which has become the largest satellite network ever, currently has over 7,600 active satellites out of nearly 8,790 launched. This impressive growth has made it a vital option for those lacking traditional internet services.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder, believes Starlink is key for both people on Earth and missions to Mars. He recently stated that funds from Starlink help support humanity’s goals in space exploration.
User reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, especially among remote communities that benefit from the service. Many users have taken to social media to express gratitude for better internet access, sharing stories of how Starlink has transformed their lives.
Historically, connectivity has often been a challenge for those in rural or underserved areas. A 2023 report showed that nearly 18 million Americans still lack access to reliable broadband services. Starlink’s rapid expansion may just be the game-changer these communities need.
For more on the impact of satellite technology on global internet access, see this report from the Federal Communications Commission.
As SpaceX continues its mission, it could reshape how we think about internet access, making the digital world reachable for everyone.