SpaceX launches Starlink mission Thursday from Cape, preps for next Starship flight in Texas

Starlink mission

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 53 Starlink satellites into orbit on Thursday, January 26. The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This was SpaceX's first Starlink launch of 2023 and the company's 20th overall.

The Starlink satellites will join the existing constellation of over 3,000 satellites that provide high-speed internet access to users around the world. SpaceX plans to launch several more Starlink missions in 2023 to further expand the constellation.

Starship flight

In addition to the Starlink launch, SpaceX is also preparing for the next flight of its Starship spacecraft. The Starship is a reusable spacecraft that is being developed to carry humans and cargo to Mars. SpaceX conducted a successful test flight of the Starship in May 2022, and the company is now preparing for a more ambitious flight in the coming months.

The next Starship flight will be launched from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The spacecraft will orbit Earth before returning to land at the landing pad at Starbase.