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 engine is needed to lift a Starlink from its drop-off altitude of 440km to its operational height of 550km. 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 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 .