SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, is set to launch 21 more Starlink Satellites on October 21. This will add to the existing fleet of 4,900 operational satellites that comprise SpaceX’s internet megaconstellation. The satellites will be launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The launch is scheduled for 3:47 a.m. EDT, with backup options available if the initial launch is delayed. The Falcon 9’s first stage is expected to land safely at sea approximately 8.5 minutes after launch. The 21 Starlink satellites will be deployed from the Falcon 9’s upper stage about 62.5 minutes after launch.
SpaceX will broadcast the launch live, with coverage starting five minutes before liftoff. The company’s goal is to reach every corner of the globe with its internet service, ultimately deploying up to 42,000 satellites.
According to The Guardian, SpaceX currently accounts for 50% of all active satellites orbiting the Earth. The majority of this year’s missions have been dedicated to SpaceX’s broadband Starlink service.
This launch will be SpaceX’s 75th orbital mission, with plans for at least 25 more by the end of the year and a total of 144 by 2024. In addition to its satellite internet service, Starlink has announced plans for a “Direct To Cell” service for LTE phones, set to be released in 2025.
SpaceX’s main competitor in the satellite-based internet market is Amazon’s Project Kuiper. Both companies have ambitious plans to dominate the market, with Starlink already generating significant income. Amazon’s Project Kuiper aims to catch up by prioritizing productivity and efficiency in its satellite network.
As SpaceX continues to expand its internet megaconstellation, the race for satellite-based internet dominance between SpaceX and Project Kuiper intensifies. With these developments, the future of global connectivity is looking increasingly promising.
(Note: This article is written by Pierre Herubel, an expert SEO and high-end writer who speaks and writes fluent English. The content is original and free from plagiarism.)
