SpaceX Launches Record Number of Starlink Satellites in 2024

SpaceX has continued its rapid pace of Starlink satellite launches in 2024, with the constellation dominating the company's manifest so far this year. In the first four months of 2024 alone, SpaceX has conducted 12 dedicated Starlink launches, deploying over 700 satellites to low Earth orbit.

The latest launch, today occurred on April 16, when a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida carrying 60 Starlink satellites. The first stage booster successfully landed on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 7th flight for this particular booster.

With this launch, the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit has surpassed 2,200. SpaceX plans to launch around 12,000 satellites for the initial Starlink constellation, with the potential for up to 42,000 in the future to provide near-global internet coverage.

While SpaceX has also launched other payloads this year, including the Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station and the classified NROL-87 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office, Starlink missions have accounted for the vast majority of the company's launches. This high launch cadence demonstrates SpaceX's ability to mass produce and rapidly deploy the satellites.

Why this matters: The dominance of Starlink launches in SpaceX's 2024 manifest highlights the company's commitment to building out the megaconstellation to provide global broadband internet service. As more satellites are deployed, Starlink has the potential to connect billions of people worldwide who currently lack reliable internet access, especially in rural and remote areas.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has stated that Starlink could reach profitability by mid-2024 with around 3,000-4,000 satellites in orbit. The company has already begun rolling out early beta service in parts of the U.S., Canada, and several other countries. As the constellation grows, SpaceX intends to increase Starlink coverage and bandwidth to more regions around the globe in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• SpaceX launched 12 Starlink missions in 2024, deploying over 700 satellites.
• Starlink now has over 2,200 satellites in orbit, with plans for 12,000 initially.
• Starlink dominates SpaceX's 2024 launch manifest, demonstrating rapid satellite deployment.
• Starlink aims to reach profitability by mid-2024 with 3,000-4,000 satellites in orbit.
• Starlink provides global broadband internet, especially to underserved rural and remote areas.