SpaceX launches 60 more mini satellites that provide internet coverage

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk-led SpaceX launched 60 mini-satellites on November 11. This happened to be the second batch of an orbiting network that is supposed to provide global internet coverage. On Monday morning, SpaceX's Falcon rocket blasted into the sky. The launch marked the unprecedented fourth flight of a booster for a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company. The compact flat-panel satellites weigh 575 pounds (260 kilograms) each and they will join previous 60 launched satellites launched in May. SpaceX boss Elon Musk is looking to send thousands of these Starlink satellites into orbit.

SpaceX to provide global internet coverage

This way, Musk aims to provide high-speed internet service coverage everywhere. Musk has plans to start service next year in the northern U.S. and Canada, with global coverage for populated areas after 24 launches. Last month, Musk used an orbiting Starlink satellite to send a tweet: “Whoa, it worked!!” SpaceX employees gathered at company bases on both coasts cheered when the first-stage booster landed on a floating platform in the Atlantic.

“These boosters are designed to be used 10 times. Let’s turn it around for a fifth, guys,” company’s launch commentator said.

This also marked the first time SpaceX used a previously flown nose cone. SpaceX reuses rocket parts to cut costs. Stacked flat inside the top of the rocket, newly launched SpaceX satellites were going to manoeuvre even higher following liftoff, using krypton-powered thrusters. SpaceX said there was a potential problem with one of the 60 that could prevent it from moving beyond its initial 174 mile-high (280 kilometre-high) orbit. In that case, the faulty satellite will be commanded to re-enter and burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere.

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Each satellite has an autonomous system for dodging space junk. In September, however, the European Space Agency had to move one of its satellites out of the way of a Starlink satellite. SpaceX later said it corrected the problem. SpaceX is among several companies interested in providing broadband internet coverage worldwide, especially in areas where it costs too much or is unreliable. Others include OneWeb and Jeff Bezos’ Amazon. According to Musk, Starlink revenue can help SpaceX develop rockets and spacecraft for travelling to Mars, his overriding ambition.

(With AP inputs)