SpaceX has launched two Starlink satellites on a Falcon-9 rocket to begin setting up its orbiting broadband communications system of an expected 12,000 satellites . The space company said the 500 kg electric propulsion satellites were deployed an hour into the flight . The launch came amid fears that the large number of satellites in orbit could create collisions . SpaceX said its craft could track debris and avoid it , and that 95 % of the satellites were made from materials that would burn up on re - entry when the craft is decommissioned .
SpaceX has launched 60 Starlink satellites on a Falcon-9 rocket to begin setting up its orbiting broadband connection system of an expected 12,000 spacecraft. The space company said the 227 kg electric propulsion satellites were deployed an hour into the flight. The launch came amid fears that the increasing number of satellites in orbit could create collisions. SpaceX said its craft could track debris and avoid it, and that 95% of the satellites were made from materials that would burn up on re-entry when the craft is decommissioned.