SpaceX launches Starlink satellites into space

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched Friday from California, carrying more than 50 more Starlink satellites into orbit. The rocket blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base. It was the first of two SpaceX launches on Friday. Another is scheduled later in the day in Florida.

SpaceX later confirmed the satellites reached orbit, completing the 77th launch primarily dedicated to deploying spacecraft for the commercial global broadband network. Friday's second launch is due to lift off from Cape Canaveral at 7:38 PM carrying a pair of satellites for commercial operator SES. These are SpaceX's 18th and 19th missions of 2023.