SpaceX Successfully Launches 7,000th Starlink Satellite

SpaceX successfully launched its 7,000th Starlink satellite, reaching a significant milestone in its satellite internet project. On Thursday, the Falcon 9 rocket deployed 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch, initially delayed due to weather, saw the first-stage booster return to a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. This mission marks the 15th flight for the Falcon 9 booster, which has supported numerous previous missions. SpaceX aims to launch 144 missions by year-end, with a major partnership with T-Mobile set to provide direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to remote areas in the U.S. for a year before expanding to other carriers.