SpaceX has successfully launched another batch of 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. The mission, designated Starlink 17-11, lifted off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
The launch marks another step in the expansion of SpaceX's global internet service and highlights the company's rapid launch pace, completing its third mission in under 41 hours.
Key Takeaways
- A Falcon 9 rocket launched 24 Starlink V2 Mini satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- The launch occurred at 9:26 p.m. PDT on September 25, 2025.
- The first-stage booster, B1082, completed its 16th flight and landed on a drone ship.
- This was SpaceX's third launch in less than 41 hours, demonstrating a high operational tempo.
- The mission adds to the growing Starlink constellation, which provides internet services worldwide.
Mission Details and Timeline
The Starlink 17-11 mission began its journey to space from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Liftoff occurred precisely at 9:26 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
Following a standard flight profile, the Falcon 9's second stage carried the payload of 24 Starlink satellites toward its intended orbit. The satellites were successfully deployed just over an hour after the launch, beginning their process of raising their orbits to their operational altitude.
What are Starlink V2 Mini Satellites?
The Starlink V2 Mini satellites are a more compact version of SpaceX's next-generation internet satellites. They are designed to deliver faster speeds and greater capacity than earlier versions, supporting the expansion of the Starlink network's capabilities for residential, commercial, and mobile users.
This launch continues to build out the robust infrastructure of the Starlink constellation, which aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved and remote areas globally.
A Veteran Booster's 16th Flight
A key element of this mission was the reuse of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster, tail number B1082. This particular booster completed its 16th successful launch and landing, a testament to SpaceX's leadership in rocket reusability.
Before this flight, B1082 had a distinguished launch history, supporting a variety of missions. Its previous flights include:
- National Reconnaissance Office Launch 145 (NROL-145)
- United States Space Force 62 (USSF-62)
- OneWeb Launch 20
- Twelve separate Starlink deployment missions
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the booster performed a precise landing burn and touched down on the autonomous drone ship Of Course I Still Love You, which was positioned in the Pacific Ocean. This recovery allows the booster to be refurbished for future flights, significantly reducing the cost of access to space.
Milestones in Reusability
The successful landing of booster B1082 marked the 153rd time a booster has landed on the 'Of Course I Still Love You' drone ship. Overall, it was the 512th successful landing of a Falcon booster and the 475th time SpaceX has launched a flight-proven booster.
SpaceX's Rapid Launch Cadence
The Starlink 17-11 mission was notable not just for its payload but also for its timing. It was the third Falcon 9 launch conducted by SpaceX in a period of less than 41 hours, showcasing an unprecedented operational tempo for an orbital launch provider.
This trio of launches demonstrates the company's ability to prepare and execute missions from multiple launch pads in rapid succession. The other two flights in this quick series were the launch of NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) and the Starlink 10-15 mission, which also deployed satellites for the broadband network.
This high frequency of launches is essential for SpaceX's goal of deploying its full Starlink constellation, which requires thousands of satellites to provide comprehensive global coverage. The ability to launch nearly every other day is a critical component of the company's business model.
The Growing Starlink Network
Each Starlink launch adds more capacity and coverage to SpaceX's satellite internet service. The network is now active on all seven continents, providing connectivity for a wide range of applications, from rural homes and businesses to RVs, maritime vessels, and airlines.
The deployment of the V2 Mini satellites is particularly important for increasing the network's density and performance, allowing it to serve more users without compromising speed or reliability. As of late 2025, the constellation consists of several thousand active satellites, with plans for continued expansion.
Overall Launch Statistics
This mission was the 540th overall launch of a Falcon 9 rocket since its debut in 2010. The Falcon 9 has become the workhorse of the global launch industry, responsible for a majority of all orbital launches worldwide in recent years. Its reliability and reusability have fundamentally changed the economics of spaceflight.
With a consistent schedule of launches from both Florida and California, SpaceX continues to solidify its position as the world's leading launch provider while simultaneously building out one of the most ambitious satellite communication networks ever conceived.