Posted: Sat, Dec 31, 2022, 9:50 AM ET (1450 GMT)
SpaceX launched this morning the first Starlink satellites going to orbits authorized for its second-generation system. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 4:34 am EST (0943 GMT) and placed 54 Starlink satellites into orbit. SpaceX billed the launch as the first for its Gen2, or second-generation, Starlink system that was partially authorized by the FCC earlier this month. However, with 54 satellites on the launch, the spacecraft do not appear to be the larger versions proposed for Gen2 Starlink, and SpaceX did not provide technical details about the satellites. The launch was the 60th this year for SpaceX.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now article
•  Space.com article
•  NASASpaceFlight.com article