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topicnews · October 25, 2024

SpaceX Starlink satellite delivery shares video of Earth

SpaceX Starlink satellite delivery shares video of Earth

SpaceX posted the video on social media site X while it was on the verge of breaking its record for the number of launches in a single year.

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SpaceX recently shared a video shot from space that offers a stunning view of Earth as the company’s satellites prepare to deploy into orbit following a recent rocket launch.

The footage, captured during a Starlink satellite delivery aboard the company’s Falcon 9 rocket, shows a view of protective covers, called payload fairings, separating and falling back to Earth. SpaceX posted the video on social media site X while it was on the verge of breaking its record for the number of launches in a single year.

The company, led by CEO and founder Elon Musk, also recently provided free access to Starlink internet service to those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, although SpaceX came under fire for still requiring an expensive receiver.

The video shows a breathtaking view of Earth from Falcon 9

The space video shows a group of Starlink satellites as two protective pieces, called payload fairings, fall away from the Falcon 9 rocket that carried the payload into orbit.

“View from the active and passive halves of a payload fairing during a recent Falcon 9 Starlink launch,” SpaceX said on X on Monday.

SpaceX did not specify which launch the footage was from, but the company shared the video a day before its latest launch crashed to put another batch of satellites into orbit. The launch, which would have matched last year’s record of 72 launches on the Space Coast, could take place on Wednesday.

According to Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network, it is likely that a new business formation record could be set by early November.

What is Starlink? SpaceX provides internet around the world

Starlink is a constellation of thousands of private satellites that enable SpaceX to provide internet to customers around the world.

SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites into orbit in 2019 and has steadily expanded its network since then, with more than 6,000 operational satellites, according to Space.com.

Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in recent weeks, SpaceX announced it would provide new and existing residential customers across Florida and other affected states with free access to Starlink internet service for a month. However, the move was met with criticism when some customers pointed out that a Starlink receiver, which costs $349, was still required, according to a customer support article.

Due to the backlash, SpaceX lowered its monthly service fee from $120 for the rest of the year. The company said it had delivered more than 10,000 Starlink kits to Helene so far.

SpaceX also recently partnered with T-Mobile to use Starlink satellites to transmit the first wireless emergency alert in the United States without ground-based cell towers. After Helene, SpaceX worked with T-Mobile to enable simple text messaging (SMS), allowing users in hurricane-hit areas to send text messages to friends and family, text 911, and receive emergency alerts receive.

Contributor: Brooke Edwards, Florida Today.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and breaking news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

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