Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 6-104

SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches Starlink Group 6-104: Expanding the Global Internet Frontier

On February 3, 2026, SpaceX successfully executed the Starlink Group 6-104 mission, deploying 29 satellites into low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This launch marks another milestone in the company's ambitious Starlink project, aimed at building a massive constellation to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide. As global demand for reliable connectivity surges—particularly in underserved regions—this batch contributes to a network that already spans thousands of satellites, transforming how remote communities, maritime operations, and aviation access the digital world.

The primary objective of the Starlink Group 6-104 mission is to enhance the density and coverage of SpaceX's mega-constellation, which is designed to provide broadband internet from space. Each of the 29 satellites weighs approximately 300 kilograms and features advanced laser communication links for inter-satellite data relay, enabling seamless global coverage without relying solely on ground stations. These V2 Mini satellites, an evolution from earlier designs, boast improved throughput capabilities, supporting data rates up to 100 Mbps for users. The payload's capabilities extend beyond basic internet; they facilitate real-time applications like video conferencing and IoT connectivity, with built-in redundancies to mitigate space debris risks and ensure orbital longevity. By targeting polar orbits, this group specifically bolsters coverage in high-latitude areas, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, where traditional infrastructure is impractical.

At the heart of the mission is the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, SpaceX's workhorse launch vehicle renowned for its reusability and reliability. Standing 70 meters tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters, the two-stage rocket is powered by nine Merlin 1D engines in the first stage, generating over 7.6 million Newtons of thrust at liftoff. The second stage uses a single Merlin Vacuum engine optimized for space operations. Key technical specifications include a payload capacity of up to 22,800 kilograms to low Earth orbit in expendable mode, though reusability reduces this to about 16,000 kilograms. The Block 5 variant incorporates upgrades like enhanced thermal protection and stronger landing legs, allowing the first stage to return for vertical landings on drone ships or ground pads. This mission's booster, having flown multiple times previously, exemplifies the design's focus on cost-efficiency, with recovery rates exceeding 90% in recent years.

Falcon 9's