SpaceX Launches Second Batch of 2nd version of Starlink Satellites

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX launched Starlink Group 4-1, with 53 satellites, on Saturday, November 13 at 7:19 am EST (12:19 UTC). Starlink is an advanced satellite internet service designed to provide high-speed, low latency 5G internet. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019 with two test satellites. The constellation continues to grow with a new version that debuted earlier this year. This new version features laser terminals and launches to polar orbit. The first Starlinks to fly to polar orbit launched in September from Vandenburg Space Force Base in California.

This launch was the second Falcon 9 flight this week, after Crew-3. The rocket was static fired on Thursday, November 11. This and Crew-3 resume Falcon 9's rapid launch cadence. The launch schedule for the rest of the year is below.

• DART - November 24

• Starlink Group 2-2 - NET November

• IXPE - December 9

• CSG-2 - December 14

• CRS-24 - December 21

• Turksat 5B - NET December

• 3 Starlink Missions, including Group 2-3 - NET December