SpaceX successfully launched another 28 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on September 25, 2025. The mission, which lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marks the company's 122nd Falcon 9 launch of the year and continues the rapid expansion of its global internet constellation.
Key Takeaways
- A Falcon 9 rocket launched 28 Starlink satellites from Florida at 4:39 a.m. EDT.
- The first stage booster, designated B1080, completed its 22nd successful flight and landing.
- This mission was the 122nd Falcon 9 launch for SpaceX in 2025.
- The total number of active Starlink satellites in orbit now exceeds 8,400.
Mission Details and Timeline
The mission began precisely at 4:39 a.m. EDT (0839 GMT) on Thursday, September 25, as a Falcon 9 rocket ignited its nine Merlin engines and ascended from the Florida coast. The rocket carried a payload of 28 Starlink broadband satellites, destined to join the thousands already providing internet service worldwide.
Following a nominal ascent, the Falcon 9's first stage separated from the upper stage. While the second stage continued its journey to orbit, the first stage performed a series of engine burns to reorient itself for a controlled descent back to Earth.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the booster executed a perfect landing on the SpaceX autonomous droneship, "A Shortfall of Gravitas," which was positioned in the Atlantic Ocean. The successful recovery is a routine but critical part of SpaceX's strategy to reduce launch costs through reusability. The satellites themselves were deployed into their intended orbit about 64 minutes after the launch.
A Veteran Booster's Record Flight
The first stage booster used for this mission, identified as B1080, has become one of the workhorses of the Falcon 9 fleet. This launch marked its 22nd successful mission, a testament to the reliability and durability of SpaceX's reusable rocket technology.
The ability to fly the same booster multiple times is a cornerstone of the company's business model, enabling a launch frequency that far surpasses any other provider. Each successful landing and subsequent reuse significantly lowers the cost of accessing space.
The History of Booster B1080
Before this 22nd flight, booster B1080 had already supported a diverse range of important missions. Its flight history demonstrates the versatility of the Falcon 9 system. Previous payloads include:
- Commercial Crew Missions: Ax-2 and Ax-3, which carried private astronauts to the International Space Station.
- Scientific Instruments: The European Space Agency's Euclid space telescope.
- Cargo Resupply: The CRS-30 mission to deliver supplies to the ISS.
- Commercial Satellites: The SES ASTRA 1P communications satellite and the NG-21 Cygnus cargo spacecraft.
- Starlink Deployments: This flight was its 16th mission dedicated to building out the Starlink constellation.
Expanding the World's Largest Satellite Network
The Starlink project is SpaceX's ambitious plan to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved areas across the globe. With each launch, the network becomes more robust and its coverage expands.
According to data from astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, the number of active Starlink spacecraft in orbit now stands at more than 8,400. This figure makes it the largest satellite constellation ever assembled, by a significant margin.
Starlink by the Numbers
Over 70% of SpaceX's 122 Falcon 9 missions in 2025 have been dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites. This aggressive launch schedule is necessary to build out, maintain, and upgrade the massive orbital network.
SpaceX's Unprecedented Launch Cadence
The September 25 mission underscores SpaceX's dominance in the global launch market. Reaching 122 Falcon 9 launches before the end of the third quarter highlights an operational tempo that was once considered impossible.
This rapid pace is driven largely by the internal demand of the Starlink project. By serving as its own primary customer, SpaceX can justify and sustain a high flight rate, which in turn benefits its commercial and government clients through proven reliability and cost efficiency.
The company's vertical integration—building its own rockets, engines, and satellites—allows for streamlined production and operations. This model has enabled SpaceX to consistently increase its annual launch count, setting new industry records year after year.
