SpaceX deploys 20 Starlink satellites, enhancing direct-to-cell capabilities

Upper stage of Falcon 9 persisted in proceeding with 20 Starlink spacecraft to deploy in low Earth orbit
The image shows SpaceX Falcon 9 launching Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida on March 26 2024. — X/@SpaceX
The image shows SpaceX Falcon 9 launching Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida on March 26 2024. — X/@SpaceX

SpaceX has launched 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, at 12:23am EST on Thursday. The spacecraft consisted of 13 direct-to-cell abilities.

After almost eight minutes of liftoff, the first stage eventually returned to Earth, landing on SpaceX's drone ship, 'Of Course I Still Love You,' stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

Read more: SpaceX to conduct sixth Starship flight test on November 18

This launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites was followed by seven Starlink missions.

The upper stage of the Falcon 9 persisted in proceeding with 20 Starlink spacecraft to deploy in low Earth orbit. 

Starlink is one of the biggest satellite constellations that aims to offer global internet broadband, enabling high-speed connections in limited areas, as reflected by Thursday's Vanderburg launch. Additionally, it’s an extended network of 6,500 active Starlink satellites, 270 of which are capable of direct-to-cell missions.