SpaceX made history once again by launching 29 Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida's Space Coast on October 29th. This mission, led by the Falcon 9 rocket, was the 15th flight for Booster 1082, which has been involved in several high-profile launches, including the Crew-8 astronaut mission to the International Space Station and the Polaris Dawn crewed flight to Earth orbit. The Falcon 9's upper stage is set to deploy the 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit approximately 64 minutes after liftoff. This launch marks SpaceX's 138th orbital launch of the year, breaking their previous record of 134 launches in 2024. So far, 99 of this year's missions have been dedicated to expanding the Starlink megaconstellation, which currently consists of over 8,700 active satellites. But here's where it gets controversial... Some experts argue that the rapid expansion of the Starlink constellation could lead to increased space debris and potential collisions. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don't forget to join our Space Forums to keep the conversation going on the latest missions, night sky events, and more. Michael Wall, a Senior Space Writer with Space.com, is an expert in exoplanets, spaceflight, and military space. His book, 'Out There,' explores the search for alien life. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist, bringing a unique perspective to the field. To stay updated on his latest projects, follow him on Twitter.
