SpaceX launched 22 more Starlink satellites on Falcone 9 Sunday marking the company’s 50th mission this year.
Just last week, SpaceX hit another milestone and surpassed 5,000 active Starlink internet service satellites in low-earth orbit. The company has already launched over 5,000 satellites, but some had failed over the years.
Both the 50th launch and 5,000 active satellite reflect the continuation of SpaceX’s goal to provide high-speed, low-latency internet service around the world.
SpaceX also removed its years-long waitlist for customers to buy a Starlink internet subscription. This was a key turning point for Starlink, which had restricted access to its service as it slowly expanded capacity. The new mass availability enabled by the company’s second gen satellites could boost Starlink’s user count, but price may still be a deterrent for potential customers.
Currently, Starlink offers four plans — Standard, Priority, Mobile, and Mobile Priority. The company said the Standard plan — $120 a month, plus a $599 equipment fee — is best for the average household. The Priority plan, geared towards businesses and high-demand users, costs between $140 and $500 a month with a $2,500 equipment charge. The Mobile plan, best for RVs, campers and “nomads,” costs between $150 and $200 a month along with the $599 equipment charge. Starlink’s Mobile Priority plan is aimed at maritime, emergency responders, and mobile businesses costing between $250 and $5,000 a month. The Mobile Priority plan also charges $2,500 for recommended hardware.
The spacecraft manufacturer has already announced ambitious plans for next year as well — 144 rocket launches, more than double its launches in 2022.
You can watch the launch here:
Image credit: SpaceX