Florida's Space Coast marked its 80th orbital launch of the year on Sunday, September 21, 2025, following a successful sunrise mission by SpaceX. The launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station keeps the region on pace to exceed 100 launches in a single year, a significant increase over previous records.
The mission, designated Starlink 10-27, involved a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 28 Starlink internet satellites. This flight continues a high-frequency launch schedule that has solidified the Space Coast's position as a global leader in space access.
Key Takeaways
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking the 80th mission from the Space Coast in 2025.
- SpaceX has conducted 76 of the 80 launches this year, with ULA and Blue Origin contributing the remaining four.
- The region is on track to surpass 100 launches this year, breaking the 2024 record of 93 missions.
- Multiple launches are scheduled for the upcoming week, including missions for NASA, NOAA, and Amazon's Project Kuiper.
- Regulatory approvals could allow for a significant increase in future launch capacity from SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin.
Details of the 80th Launch
The milestone launch occurred at 6:53 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. The Falcon 9 rocket performed as expected, delivering its payload of Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The first-stage booster used for this mission completed its 11th successful flight. Following stage separation, the booster executed a precision landing on the droneship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas,' which was positioned in the Atlantic Ocean. This recovery is a standard part of SpaceX's reusable rocket strategy, aimed at reducing launch costs and increasing flight frequency.
2025 Launch Breakdown
Of the 80 launches from Florida's Space Coast this year:
- SpaceX: 76 flights
- United Launch Alliance (ULA): 3 flights (one Vulcan, two Atlas V)
- Blue Origin: 1 flight (debut of New Glenn)
A Record-Breaking Pace for Florida
The 80 launches so far in 2025 demonstrate a significant acceleration in launch activity. The previous annual record was set in 2024 with 93 total launches. With more than three months remaining in the year, the Space Coast is on a clear trajectory to surpass that number and potentially exceed 100 orbital missions.
This high cadence is supported by multiple launch pads operating across two facilities. According to records, 60 of this year's launches have originated from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, while the remaining 20 have lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A.
The Eastern Range
The U.S. Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45 oversees all launches from the Eastern Range, which includes Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. This unit is responsible for public safety, managing the crowded launch schedule, and providing support services like tracking and weather forecasting for every mission.
Busy Schedule Ahead
The pace is not expected to slow down. Several more missions are planned for the immediate future, highlighting the diverse range of clients utilizing Florida's launch infrastructure.
Upcoming Missions This Week
The next launch is scheduled for Tuesday morning. A SpaceX Falcon 9 is set to lift off from Kennedy Space Center at 7:32 a.m. EDT. This mission will deploy three space weather satellites for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Thursday morning could see two separate launches from adjacent pads. SpaceX plans a Starlink mission from SLC-40, with a launch window from 4:36 a.m. to 8:36 a.m. Nearby at SLC-41, United Launch Alliance is preparing for its fourth launch of the year. An Atlas V rocket is scheduled to carry satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper, a competitor to Starlink, with a window from 8:09 a.m. to 8:38 a.m.
"The ability to potentially support two major launches from different providers within the same morning showcases the operational capacity and efficiency of the Eastern Range," noted an official familiar with range operations.
Additionally, Blue Origin may conduct the second-ever flight of its New Glenn rocket before the end of September. The mission, launching no earlier than September 29, is tasked with sending a pair of NASA satellites toward Mars.
Future Growth and Increased Capacity
The high volume of launches is supported by regulatory changes and infrastructure development aimed at accommodating even more frequent flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently approved an increase in SpaceX's launch license for Cape Canaveral, raising the annual limit from 50 to 120 Falcon 9 launches. A similar request to increase the limit at Kennedy Space Center from 20 to 36 missions is also pending.
Other launch providers are also planning for expansion:
- United Launch Alliance is targeting a cadence of 24 launches per year.
- Blue Origin is aiming for 12 New Glenn launches annually.
- Newcomers like Relativity Space and Stoke Space are actively developing their launch pads at Cape Canaveral, with initial flights possible in 2026.
The Space Force has indicated it was prepared for up to 156 launches in 2025. While that number may not be reached this year, projections for 2026 suggest it could be surpassed if all operators achieve their target launch rates. Further in the future, the potential addition of two SpaceX Starship launch sites could add another 120 launches to the annual manifest, pending environmental reviews.