image: SpaceX

SpaceX has successfully launched the first 60 of its constellation of satellites the company plans to harness for broadband internet services. SpaceX made this launch as part of its Starlink mission at 10:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 23 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SpaceX plans to launch a total of 12,000 satellites for the Starlink network, with a set plan to completely launch all of that and debut an internet broadband service by 2027.

The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage used for this launch was previously used for launches in January and September last year. The first stage was successfully landed on SpaceX’s droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The Starlink satellites were deployed at an altitude of 440km roughly one hour and two minutes after liftoff and then reached an operational attitude of 550km via onboard propulsion.

You can catch a video clip of the launch below:

Each Starlink satellite weighs roughly 227kg, a small weight that allows SpaceX to maximize mass production and take advantage of the Falcon 9 rocket’s launch capabilities. They are equipped with a star tracker navigation system that allows SpaceX to point the satellites with accuracy. The satellites are also capable of tracking on-orbit debris and autonomously avoiding collision.

SpaceX is planning to use the Starlink satellites to connect end users with low latency, high bandwidth broadband services by providing continual coverage across the globe.

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