SpaceX Launches Second Batch of Starlinks from Vandenburg

Credit: SpaceX

On Saturday, December 18 at 4:24 am ET (1:24 am PT/9:24 UTC), SpaceX launched Starlink Group 4-4 with 52 Starlink satellites atop a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from SLC-2E at Vandenburg Space Force Base in California to a 53-degree inclination. The first stage previously flew on SpaceX Demo-1, RADARSAT Constellation, SXM-7 and 7 Starlink missions. This is now the most flights a Falcon 9 booster has ever done. On this flight, the booster landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship. This was the second launch of Starlink satellites from Vandenburg after Starlink 2-1 back in September. This was also the final Starlink launch in 2021, 141st SpaceX mission, 133rd Falcon 9 launch, and the 133rd orbital attempt of 2021. Starlink is a SpaceX program which aims to give low-latency internet to people, especially those in remote areas. This group is part of Starlink v1.5 which is the first version to have lasers. Starlink v2 will launch on Starship.