SpaceX's Latest Innovation: Launch of Starlink Satellites from Florida

SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink internet satellites from Florida early in the morning on July 3 , following a two - hour delay . The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 4:55 a.m. EDT . The launch was delayed due to technical issues , but the Falcon 9 's first stage successfully returned to Earth about eight minutes after launch and landed on the droneship called " A Shortfall of Gravitas , " stationed in the Atlantic Ocean . This particular booster has been used for 16 launches and landings , with ten of those missions being Starlink missions . The 20 satellites were deployed to low Earth orbit about 61 minutes after liftoff.

Wednesday 's launch was the 67th Falcon 9 mission of 2024 , with more than 70 % of the rocket 's liftoffs this year dedicated to expanding the Starlink megaconstellation , which currently consists of over 6,150 operational satellites . In addition to Falcon 9 missions , SpaceX has also conducted a launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket and two test flights of Starship , a next - gen vehicle developed to support missions to the moon and Mars.

On the other hand , Firefly Aerospace also launched its Alpha rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California , lighting up the night sky just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday . The " Noise of Summer " mission carried CubeSats developed by universities and nonprofits through NASA 's program . The launch created a bright plume that streaked across the region , providing spectators with a stunning view.

Rocket launches have become a common sight in Southern California , with SpaceX being a notable contributor to the spectacle . The region has witnessed several bright displays in the sky due to rocket launches by various aerospace companies , adding to the excitement of space exploration and satellite deployment activities.

Overall , the space industry is thriving with numerous launches and missions taking place throughout the year . Both SpaceX and Firefly Aerospace continue to push boundaries with their advancements in rocket technology and satellite deployment , contributing to the rapidly evolving landscape of space exploration and communication.