This archive report was first published on 12 November 2019.
SpaceX, a private space company owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, has taken a significant step in its ambitious goal of providing global internet coverage with its Starlink network. The company has launched 60 more satellites, bringing the total number of satellites in orbit to nearly 120.
On Monday, November 11, 2019, SpaceX launched 60 additional Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This deployment was a success, with the satellites successfully entering into orbit.
SpaceX plans to launch monthly Starlink missions in 2020, with the goal of deploying nearly 45,000 satellites in total. The company has already applied for 30,000 more satellites, which will be added to the 12,000 already approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
Once the entire constellation is in low Earth orbit by 2027, or possibly later, it's expected to offer high-speed internet to anywhere on Earth. This ambitious project has sparked concerns among professional astronomers, who worry that the satellites will interfere with scientific observations and amateur appreciation of the stars.
However, SpaceX and its leader, Elon Musk, have reassured astronomers that the satellites will settle into place and stop masquerading as the stars they are named for. In fact, Elon Musk has already sent a tweet using the Starlink network, demonstrating its capabilities.
