SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday morning, delivering a fresh batch of 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit.
Launch Highlights
- Liftoff occurred at approximately 8:29 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time from Launch Complex 40.
- The weather conditions were highly favorable, with launch officials reporting minimal concerns due to light cloud cover and stable winds.
- Around one hour and four minutes post-launch, the satellites were confirmed deployed into their planned orbital configuration.
- The first-stage booster, completing its 10th mission, landed safely on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This mission marks the 453rd landing of a Falcon first stage.
Fleet Expansion & Frequency
- This was SpaceX’s 99th Falcon 9 mission in 2025 and adds significantly to its growing Starlink network.
- Notably, this launch was the second Starlink mission conducted within less than 12 hours, following another payload sent from Vandenberg Space Force Base earlier the same morning.
- With this latest release, SpaceX has now placed over 8,100 Starlink satellites into orbit, reinforcing its status as the largest satellite internet constellation.
The Broader Significance
SpaceX’s rapid-fire launch cadence underscores its aggressive deployment strategy for global broadband coverage. The mission also demonstrates SpaceX’s advanced reusability capabilities, as evidenced by the booster’s successful ninth or tenth flight.
This momentum aligns with America’s growing commercial space activity and paves the way for upcoming endeavors — including more Starship tests and NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon scheduled for early 2026.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch Time | ~8:29 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral |
| Payload | 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites |
| Booster Reuse | 10th flight; successfully landed on droneship |
| Today’s Context | Second Starlink launch within 12 hours |
| Constellation Total | Over 8,100 Starlink satellites now in orbit |
| Significance | Highlights SpaceX’s rapid deployment and reusability |
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