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SpaceX Launches 60 More Satellites, Trying To Tone Them Down

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket stands ready to launch 60 more Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral. SPACEX
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket stands ready to launch 60 more Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral. SPACEX

SpaceX has launched 60 more mini internet satellites, this time testing a dark coating to appease stargazers.

The Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral late Monday, recycled for its fourth flight.

As the first-stage booster flew to a vertical landing on an ocean platform, the Starlink satellites hurtled toward orbit to join 120 similar spacecraft launched last year. One of the new satellites is trying out a dark coating to lessen reflectivity.

It's a “first step” compromise between SpaceX and astronomers fearful of having dark skies spoiled by hundreds and, eventually, thousands of bright satellites circling overhead.

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