Starlink satellites launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral

SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 14; the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the droneship and the network now has nearly 9,500 active units, according to tracker Jonathan McDowell.

SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 14. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at 1:08 p.m. EST and reached preliminary orbit about nine minutes later. The rocket's upper stage was on track to deploy the satellite group about an hour into the flight. The mission adds to the low Earth orbit megaconstellation that relays broadband internet, which tracker Jonathan McDowell reports has nearly 9,500 active units. Known details: - The launch carried 29 Starlink satellites identified as Group 6-98. - Liftoff occurred from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral at 1:08 p.m. EST (1808 GMT). - The Falcon 9 reached preliminary orbit roughly nine minutes after liftoff and the upper stage was on track to deploy the satellites about an hour into the flight. - The rocket's first stage, B1085, completed its 13th flight and performed a propulsive landing on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" in the Atlantic Ocean. - The flight was SpaceX's sixth mission of 2026, and the Starlink network is reported to have nearly 9,500 active units, according to tracker Jonathan McDowell. Summary: The additional satellites increase the Starlink constellation's capacity to provide broadband relay service in underserved areas. Deployment was scheduled about an hour into the flight; Undetermined at this time.