Nichols Martin
SpaceX has lifted 60 low Earth orbit connectivity satellites for Starlink, the company’s new internet service, Space News reported Monday.
The company launched the Falcon 9 rocket with the satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, marking the facility’s first launch in 2020.
The satellites were initially raised to a 290-mile orbit. After inspection, they will be sent to their final 341-mile orbit.
The Starlink satellites make up the planet’s largest commercial constellation and will provide internet connectivity to customers across the globe by late 2020.
SpaceX plans to have the Starlink internet service ready for the U.S. and Canada within the year, and for other countries by 2021.
The company has launched a total of 182 Starlink satellites, but has still not confirmed if all units will support the new internet service.
