SpaceX launched the first 54 Starlink v2.0 satellites into orbit

Tags: Science and Technology

On December 28, 2022, the SpaceXFalcon 9 launch vehicle launched into low Earth orbit the first 54 Starlink satellites of the new generation - v2.0 or Gen2.

Important facts

• The launch took place from the SLC-40 launch pad of the US Air Force Base at Cape Canaveral. This is the 60th successful SpaceX mission since the beginning of 2022.

• Starlink v2.0 satellites have several different configurations depending on the launch vehicle.

• v2.0 is carried by the old Falcon 9. The mass of such satellites is 303 kg, and the dimensions are almost the same as in v1.5.

• SpaceX currently has 3,604 operational Starlink satellites in orbit.

• The total number of satellites planned is 12,000 with the possibility of additional expansion up to 42,000.

About SpaceX

• It is a private spaceflight company that sends satellites and people to space, including NASA crews to the International Space Station (ISS).

• The company sent its first two astronauts to the ISS on May 30, 2020, aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, and several more on behalf of NASA and other organizations.

• As of mid-2022, it is the only commercial spaceflight company capable of sending astronauts into space.

• SpaceX was founded by Alan Musk, a South African-born businessman and entrepreneur.