SpaceX rocket delivers 52 more Starlink internet satellites into orbit

SpaceX confirms the separation of 52 new Starlink internet satellites from the Falcon 9 rocket, completing the 63rd launch primarily dedicated to deploying spacecraft for the commercial global broadband network.

The Starlink satellites are expected to release from the front end of the rocket all at once, instead of one at a time or in pairs, as spacecraft often do when separating from a launch vehicle, Spaceflight Now reports.

The Falcon 9 upper stage will fire thrusters to put itself in a spin before deploying the satellites. Then the rocket will release retention rods that hold the satellites in place on top of the vehicle.

The momentum from the rotation helps the satellites disperse before the craft individually activated their propulsion systems to begin climbing toward their final operating altitude of roughly 335 miles (540 kilometres) above Earth.

SpaceX says injecting the satellites into a lower orbit will allow time for checkouts before orbit-raising using their krypton ion thrusters.