SpaceX launches 1st Starlink satellites of 2026 on new Falcon 9 rocket

The primary Starlink satellites to hitch SpaceX’s megaconstellation in 2026 had been launched at the moment (Jan. 4) on a model new Falcon 9 rocket.

social media network X.

The Falcon 9’s first stage (Booster 1101) made its first return to Earth, touching down on the drone ship “Simply Learn the Directions,” which was pre-staged within the Atlantic Ocean.

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a night launch of an orbital rocket is seen on the horizon and reflected in a water body in the foreground

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites launches from Cape Canaveral Area Power Station in Florida on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (Picture credit score: SpaceX)

SpaceX’s Starlink community, which is approaching 9,500 active satellites, supplies entry to broadband web in areas world wide the place connectively is in any other case sparse or nonexistent. This now contains Venezuela, after the U.S. raid on the nation’s capital, seizing President Nicolás Maduro.

“Starlink is offering free broadband service to the individuals of Venezuela via February 3, making certain continued connectivity,” SpaceX announced on X on Sunday.

The launch was SpaceX’s second for 2026, 595th accomplished since 2008 and 555th touchdown since 2015.

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