SpaceX is now the world’s largest satellite operator [Updated]

Enlarge / This Falcon 9 rocket has launched three times, including on the Telstar VANTAGE 18 mission in 2018. (credit: SpaceX)

10:20pm ET Update: The Falcon 9 rocket launched right on schedule, streaking into the black Florida sky. Less than 10 minutes later, the rocket's first stage landed on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This particular core has now flown four times.

One hour after launch, the rocket's second stage released its payload of 60 Starlink satellites. As they floated into low-Earth orbit, SpaceX became the company in the world with the most satellites. And with perhaps 20 more Starlink launches planned for this year, they're only getting started.

The only downer on the night is that while the GO Ms. Tree vessel came close to nabbing one payload fairing half, it did not quite make it.

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