SpaceX completed another milestone Sunday night, launching a fresh batch of Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
The Falcon 9 lifted off precisely at 10:09 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, continuing the company’s steady pace of satellite deployments designed to expand global internet coverage.
This mission marked a significant achievement for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, designated B1077, which completed its 20th flight. The booster’s previous missions included a wide range of critical launches, such as crewed flights and multiple Starlink deployments.
“This is the 20th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, NG-20, TD7, and 12 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean,” SpaceX confirmed.
Aboard Sunday’s mission were 23 Starlink satellites, destined to join the expansive network of satellites already orbiting Earth. Once fully deployed and operational, these satellites will help enhance internet service to a wide range of global regions, including underserved and remote areas.
The first-stage booster successfully executed a controlled landing on the droneship “Just Read the Instructions,” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, further demonstrating SpaceX’s continued emphasis on reusability and cost-efficiency in spaceflight operations.
Starlink, a major initiative from SpaceX, aims to create a robust satellite constellation capable of delivering high-speed internet access around the world. With thousands of satellites already in orbit, the project continues to grow rapidly, with more launches planned in the coming months.
SpaceX’s latest mission reinforces its leadership in the commercial space industry, particularly in the deployment of satellite-based communications infrastructure.