SpaceX successfully launched another batch of 24 Starlink internet satellites into orbit on Friday from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, which lifted off at 12:31 p.m. EDT, marks the company's 118th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, further expanding its global satellite internet constellation.
The Falcon 9's first stage booster, completing its tenth mission, landed successfully on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean shortly after launch. This latest deployment brings the total number of active Starlink satellites in orbit to nearly 8,400.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX launched 24 Starlink satellites from California on September 19, 2025.
- The mission was the 118th Falcon 9 launch for SpaceX in 2025.
- The reusable first stage booster, B1088, completed its 10th successful launch and landing.
- The Starlink constellation now consists of nearly 8,400 active satellites in low Earth orbit.
- The satellites were deployed approximately 62 minutes after liftoff.
Mission Details and Successful Booster Recovery
The launch occurred from Vandenberg Space Force Base, a key site for missions targeting polar orbits. The Falcon 9 rocket ascended through a layer of fog, a common sight on California's central coast, at 9:31 a.m. local time.
A critical phase of the mission involved the recovery of the Falcon 9's first stage. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the booster performed a controlled descent and landed precisely on the autonomous drone ship, "Of Course I Still Love You," which was positioned in the Pacific Ocean.
Booster B1088: A Record of Reliability
This mission marked the 10th successful flight and landing for the Falcon 9 first stage designated B1088. This level of reusability is central to SpaceX's strategy of reducing the cost of access to space.
The successful recovery allows SpaceX to refurbish the booster for future missions, significantly lowering operational costs and enabling a high launch frequency. The upper stage of the Falcon 9 continued its journey, carrying the payload of 24 satellites toward their designated orbit.
Expanding the Global Internet Constellation
This launch adds to what is already the largest satellite constellation ever deployed. With nearly 8,400 active satellites, SpaceX's Starlink network continues its rapid expansion. The primary goal of the project is to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved and remote areas across the globe.
The deployment of the 24 satellites was scheduled to take place just over 62 minutes after the launch. The Falcon 9's upper stage was programmed to release the spacecraft into a precise low Earth orbit, where they would then use their onboard propulsion systems to maneuver into their final operational positions.
What is Low Earth Orbit?
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is an orbital region around Earth with an altitude between 160 kilometers (99 miles) and 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles). Satellites in LEO travel at very high speeds, completing an orbit in about 90 minutes. This proximity to Earth reduces signal travel time, known as latency, which is crucial for services like video calls and online gaming.
The consistent addition of satellites is essential for increasing the network's capacity, improving coverage, and ensuring service reliability for its growing user base worldwide.
A High-Tempo Launch Cadence in 2025
The September 19 mission was SpaceX's 118th launch using a Falcon 9 rocket in 2025, underscoring the company's dominance in the global launch market. The pace of these launches is unprecedented, with a significant portion dedicated to building out its own satellite network.
According to company data, missions for the Starlink project have accounted for over 70% of SpaceX's launches this year. This aggressive deployment strategy is key to achieving the constellation's planned scale and capabilities.
The History of Booster 1088
The reusability of Falcon 9 boosters is a cornerstone of SpaceX's operational model. Booster B1088, which flew this mission, has a diverse flight history that showcases its versatility. Before its five previous Starlink missions, it was used for several key government and commercial payloads, including:
- NROL-126: A mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.
- Transporter-12: A dedicated rideshare mission carrying numerous small satellites.
- SPHEREx: A NASA astrophysics mission.
- NROL-57: Another mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.
This track record demonstrates the reliability of SpaceX's refurbished boosters for a wide range of customers, including national security clients.
The Future of Starlink and SpaceX
Each Starlink launch represents another step toward SpaceX's long-term goals. The revenue generated from the Starlink internet service is intended to help fund the development of the company's next-generation Starship vehicle, designed for missions to the Moon and Mars.
The rapid and routine nature of these launches from sites like Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral in Florida has become a new standard in the space industry. While the primary objective is building the Starlink network, these frequent flights also provide valuable data on the performance and longevity of the reusable Falcon 9 fleet.
As the constellation grows, it continues to provide internet services to an increasing number of countries, including in conflict zones and areas affected by natural disasters where traditional infrastructure is unavailable. The continued expansion in 2025 aims to further solidify Starlink's position as a major global internet service provider.
