On August 27, SpaceX successfully launched the 5,000th Starlink satellite into low-Earth orbit, marking a major milestone for the development of global satellite Internet communications. The Falcon 9 rocket carried new Starlink satellites into space.
The launch took place in accordance with SpaceX’s proven program. About two and a half minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s first stage separated gracefully, demonstrating SpaceX’s mastery of reusable rocket technology. Then, at the ninth minute after liftoff, the first stage landed precisely on a floating platform called “Just Read the Instructions” in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Remarkably, for this Falcon 9 rocket, this launch was the third spacewalk: before that, it carried out ESA’s Euclid and Ax-2 missions, before embarking on the Starlink project.
However, this remarkable launch was not the only event in SpaceX’s history. It was followed by the Crew-7 mission with four astronauts to the International Space Station, a testament to the company’s multifaceted approach to space exploration and technology development.
SpaceX’s Starlink project is nothing short of revolutionary. With the authorization to launch up to 12,000 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, the company is expanding its ambitions. SpaceX is eagerly awaiting authorization to launch another 30,000 satellites, more than half of all satellite launch applications submitted to the International Telecommunications Union in recent years.
The implications of Starlink’s global expansion are already evident. Officially launched in 2021, Starlink’s service already covers more than 50 countries and territories, making reliable high-speed internet available to remote and underserved regions around the world. The list of territories covered includes not only the US and Europe, but also countries such as Japan, parts of Latin America and even the icy expanse of Antarctica.
Even more impressive is the rapid introduction of Starlink satellite Internet services. Currently, its services are used by more than 1.5 million subscribers. In Ukraine, for example, about 42,000 Starlink terminals are in active use, supporting military operations, medical facilities, enterprises and humanitarian organizations.
SpaceX’s commitment to democratizing access to the Internet and tireless efforts to expand the Starlink constellation demonstrate the company’s desire to push the boundaries of technology and space exploration. With each successful launch, SpaceX brings us closer to a more connected and accessible world, leaving us to wonder what revolutionary advances they will discover in the vastness of space and beyond.