Fri Jan 10 03:50:00 UTC 2025: ## SpaceX Launches Another Batch of Starlink Satellites, Including Direct-to-Cell Capable Units
**Cape Canaveral, FL** – SpaceX successfully launched another 21 Starlink internet satellites into orbit on Wednesday, January 8th, at 10:27 a.m. ET. The launch, which took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, included 13 satellites equipped with Direct-to-Cell capabilities, marking a significant step in expanding global internet access.
A Falcon 9 rocket propelled the satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage successfully landed on the drone ship *A Shortfall of Gravitas* in the Atlantic Ocean. This booster had previously completed two other missions. The upper stage continued its trajectory, deploying the Starlink satellites about 65 minutes after launch.
This launch further expands the already substantial Starlink constellation, currently boasting over 6,850 active satellites in LEO, according to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell. Starlink is the largest satellite constellation ever deployed and continues to grow at a rapid pace.
First Piper 