Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 6-98

SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches Starlink Group 6-98: Expanding Global Connectivity

On January 14, 2026, SpaceX executed a precise launch of its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, deploying the Starlink Group 6-98 mission. This event marked another milestone in the company's ambitious effort to build a vast satellite constellation for worldwide internet access. The payload consisted of 29 advanced Starlink satellites, each designed to enhance the network's capacity and coverage, particularly in underserved regions.

The primary objective of the Starlink Group 6-98 mission is to bolster SpaceX's mega-constellation, which aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet from space. These satellites, weighing approximately 300 kilograms each, are equipped with laser inter-satellite links for seamless data relay, reducing reliance on ground stations and enabling global coverage. The payload's capabilities extend to supporting a wide array of applications, from remote education and telemedicine in rural areas to real-time connectivity for maritime and aviation sectors. By integrating these satellites into the existing network—now exceeding 6,000 operational units—SpaceX seeks to achieve download speeds of up to 220 Mbps and latencies as low as 20 milliseconds, rivaling terrestrial fiber optics. This deployment focuses on mid-inclination orbits around 550 kilometers altitude, optimizing coverage for populous equatorial and temperate zones while minimizing atmospheric interference.

At the heart of this mission is the Falcon 9 Block 5, SpaceX's workhorse launch vehicle renowned for its reusability and reliability. This two-stage rocket stands 70 meters tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters and a launch mass of about 549 metric tons. Powered by nine Merlin 1D engines in the first stage, it generates over 7.6 million Newtons of thrust at sea level, enabling it to carry up to 22,800 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO). The second stage, featuring a single vacuum-optimized Merlin engine, provides the final push for orbital insertion. Key technical advancements in the Block 5 variant include upgraded thermal protection, reinforced landing legs, and enhanced engine performance for multiple reuses—some boosters have flown more than 20 times. This design philosophy not only cuts costs dramatically but also incorporates autonomous landing capabilities on drone ships or ground pads, as demonstrated in this launch where the first stage successfully returned to Earth for refurbishment.

The Falcon 9's performance history underscores its dominance in