How many communication satellites did SpaceX launch with Starlink Group 5-9?
The mission details
SpaceX, the American aerospace manufacturer, launched its latest Starlink mission, Group 5-9, to low Earth orbit on July 24, 2021. The mission was carried out using the Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA. The primary objective of this mission is to deploy 51 Starlink satellites into the orbit of the Earth, aimed to provide high-speed internet connectivity to underserved regions of the world.
The technicalities involved
The 51 satellites of the Group 5-9 mission are equipped with high-performance solar panels to power their operation while in orbit. Additionally, the satellites feature advanced laser inter-satellite links (ISLs) for better connectivity and communication between them. The Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched and deployed the satellites into their designated orbit 60 minutes after the liftoff.
The benefits of this mission
With the successful deployment of the Starlink Group 5-9 mission satellites, it is expected that affordable and high-speed internet services will be available to underserved communities globally. These communities will be able to access the internet for education, health services, and other essential services that require reliable internet connectivity for their delivery.
The future of Starlink missions
SpaceX has been working aggressively on its Starlink mission since 2015, with the aim of developing a satellite constellation that will provide high-speed internet connectivity across the planet. To date, the company has launched more than 1,500 Starlink satellites, and there are plans for further launches in the future. The Starlink system is projected to have an estimated 12,000 satellites orbiting to provide global coverage by mid-2020, according to the company’s plans.
Conclusion
The SpaceX Starlink Group 5-9 mission provides hope for underserved communities globally. SpaceX has shown that it is committed to bridging the digital divide that has left millions of people globally without access to reliable internet connectivity. The company’s ambitious plans to launch a constellation of satellites to provide global internet coverage are a significant step in the right direction to achieving this goal.