In a remarkable Leap Day launch, SpaceX successfully sent another group of Starlink internet satellites into orbit from Florida’s Space Coast. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 23 Starlink satellites, took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 10:30 a.m. EST. This mission, known as Starlink 6-40, was initiated after the postponement of the company’s first astronaut launch of the year.

Earlier today, SpaceX swiftly transitioned into launch operations for Starlink 6-40, following the cancellation of their plans to send four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA’s Crew-8 mission. Originally scheduled for a midnight launch on Friday, Crew-8 was rescheduled due to concerns about rough offshore weather that could impact launch abort scenarios. The new launch window is set for Saturday night.

Today’s Starlink launch was particularly significant as it marked the 11th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage involved. This stage has previously played a crucial role in launching five Starlink missions, four commercial satellite flights, and an uncrewed NASA cargo run to the ISS. 

After a successful liftoff, the booster returned to Earth, landing on the drone ship Just Read The Instructions in the sea. It will now be transported back to port for future use. SpaceX’s commitment to launching Starlink satellites is part of their ambitious plan to establish a vast megaconstellation in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling global, high-speed internet access directly from space. With aspirations of deploying up to 42,000 satellites in LEO, the company is steadily progressing towards its goal. Just a few days ago, on February 25, SpaceX launched its most recent Starlink mission.The satellites deployed during today’s mission were SpaceX’s Starlink Version 2 Mini satellites. Each launch brings us closer to a future where reliable internet connectivity is available to everyone, no matter where they are on the planet.