Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States - September 20, 2024

In a display of relentless innovation, SpaceX successfully launched 20 new Starlink satellites into orbit today, marking another significant expansion of its ambitious satellite internet constellation. The launch, which took place at 9:50 a.m. EDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base, not only added to the growing Starlink network but also featured a dramatic landing of the Falcon 9's first stage on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean.

This mission wasn't just about adding satellites; it signified SpaceX's 13th re-flight of the same Falcon 9 booster, showcasing the company's commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency. Of the booster's 13 flights, 10 have supported the Starlink project, underlining the pivotal role of this program in SpaceX's operations.

Jonathan McDowell, a noted astrophysicist and satellite tracker, confirmed that SpaceX's Starlink constellation now boasts over 6,300 active satellites, with the total number of launched satellites exceeding 7,000. This morning's launch included 13 satellites with a cutting-edge direct-to-cellphone service capability, a feature that SpaceX began testing earlier this year. Since January 2024, over 100 such satellites have been deployed, promising a future where anyone with a compatible phone can access internet services directly from space.

SpaceX's pace in 2024 has been nothing short of relentless. The company has now completed 91 Falcon 9 missions this year, with 62 dedicated to Starlink. Including other rocket types, SpaceX has achieved 94 launches in 2024, a testament to its robust launch cadence which includes the Falcon Heavy and the experimental Starship, aimed at paving the way for interplanetary travel.

The continuous growth of the Starlink constellation not only signifies a technological leap but also poses implications for global communications, potentially reshaping how we access internet services worldwide. Critics, however, raise concerns about space debris and the astronomical impacts of such a large satellite constellation.