SpaceX has successfully launched another batch of 24 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from California. The mission, which lifted off in the early hours of September 26, 2025, marked the 123rd flight of a Falcon 9 rocket this year and included the successful recovery of the reusable first-stage booster.
Key Takeaways
- A Falcon 9 rocket launched 24 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- The mission was SpaceX's 123rd Falcon 9 flight of 2025 and the 15th in September alone.
- The reusable first-stage booster, B1082, completed its 16th successful flight and landing.
- The total number of active Starlink satellites in orbit is now approaching 8,500.
Mission Details and Timeline
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:26 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (0426 GMT). For local observers, the launch occurred at 9:26 p.m. on September 25.
Following a successful ascent, the rocket's first stage separated from the upper stage. The upper stage then continued its journey toward low Earth orbit with the payload of 24 satellites. The deployment of the Starlink spacecraft was scheduled to occur approximately 62.5 minutes after the initial launch.
Reusable Booster Completes 16th Flight
A key part of the mission was the recovery of the Falcon 9's first stage. The booster, designated B1082, performed a controlled descent back through Earth's atmosphere. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, it successfully landed on the SpaceX autonomous droneship, "Of Course I Still Love You," which was positioned in the Pacific Ocean.
This landing marked the 16th successful mission for this particular booster, highlighting SpaceX's continued success with its reusable rocket technology. The majority of this booster's flights have been dedicated to expanding the Starlink network.
Booster B1082 Flight History
This flight was the 16th for booster B1082. Its previous missions include:
- 12 Starlink deployment flights
- USSF-62 mission
- OneWeb Launch 20
- NROL-145 mission
The ability to reuse first-stage boosters is a cornerstone of SpaceX's strategy to reduce the cost of access to space and enable a high frequency of launches.
Expanding the Starlink Megaconstellation
This launch adds another two dozen satellites to SpaceX's growing Starlink internet constellation. The project aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users worldwide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. It uses a large network of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet. Unlike traditional satellite internet, which uses large satellites in higher orbits, Starlink's lower altitude allows for significantly faster connection speeds and lower latency.
According to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, the number of active Starlink spacecraft in orbit is now nearly 8,500. The company continues to add to the network at a rapid pace to increase coverage and capacity.
SpaceX's High Launch Cadence in 2025
The September 26 mission underscores the aggressive launch schedule maintained by SpaceX throughout 2025. This was the company's 123rd Falcon 9 launch of the year and its 15th mission in September alone.
A significant portion of these flights has been dedicated to the Starlink project. More than 70% of all Falcon 9 launches in 2025 have carried Starlink satellites, demonstrating the program's high priority for the company. This consistent launch rate is essential for building out and maintaining the complex satellite network.
The rapid deployment of the Starlink network is driven by a launch cadence that far surpasses any other commercial or government entity, fundamentally changing the economics of space access.
With each successful launch and booster recovery, SpaceX moves closer to its goal of a fully global internet service while also demonstrating the reliability and cost-effectiveness of its reusable launch system for other commercial and government missions.