A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on April 5, 2024, carrying 52 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch, visible across Brevard County, marked SpaceX’s 10th Starlink mission this year. The satellites will expand the company’s constellation, which now includes over 4,000 active internet-relay vehicles.
The first stage of the rocket, designated B1062, landed successfully at Landing Zone 1 on the Cape, a routine achievement for SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology. The mission followed a three-week delay due to high winds, a common challenge for launches from the Space Coast.
SpaceX has committed to launching 1,200 Starlink satellites in 2024 to improve internet connectivity in rural and underserved areas. The company’s operations at Cape Canaveral have become a cornerstone of Brevard County’s economy, generating an estimated $1.2 billion annually in economic activity.
Local officials noted the launch’s significance for the region. “Every Starlink mission reinforces Brevard’s role as the Space Coast,” said Brevard County Commissioner Jeff Nelligan. “It’s a reminder of the innovation happening here daily.” The satellites will join thousands already in orbit, with SpaceX aiming to provide broadband service to 1 billion people worldwide by 2027.
The Falcon 9’s second stage deployed the satellites about 8 minutes after liftoff. SpaceX’s next Starlink mission is scheduled for May 12 from the same launch site. The company has also announced plans to begin testing Starlink’s satellite internet service in select parts of Florida later this year.