SpaceX successfully launched another batch of 28 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from Florida on September 18, 2025. The mission, utilizing a Falcon 9 rocket, marked the company's 117th launch of the year and continued the rapid expansion of its global satellite internet constellation.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- The mission was the 117th Falcon 9 flight of 2025, highlighting an accelerated launch pace.
- The Falcon 9 first-stage booster, B1092, completed its seventh successful launch and landing.
- The Starlink network now consists of nearly 8,400 active satellites in low Earth orbit.
Early Morning Launch from Florida
A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:30 a.m. EDT. The early morning launch carried the payload of 28 Starlink satellites, destined for low Earth orbit (LEO).
The mission proceeded as planned, with the Falcon 9's first stage performing its critical role before separating from the upper stage. The successful ascent is part of a consistent pattern of launches aimed at building out the Starlink network.
Successful Booster Landing and Recovery
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9's first stage returned to Earth for a controlled landing. The booster touched down precisely on the autonomous drone ship "Just Read the Instructions," which was positioned in the Atlantic Ocean.
This successful recovery marks another milestone for SpaceX's reusable rocket technology, which is central to its strategy of reducing the cost of access to space and enabling a high frequency of launches.
What is Low Earth Orbit?
Low Earth orbit (LEO) is an area of space up to 2,000 kilometers (about 1,200 miles) above the Earth's surface. Satellites in LEO travel at very high speeds, completing a full orbit in 90 to 120 minutes. This proximity to Earth allows for lower latency in communications, which is critical for services like Starlink's high-speed internet.
A Veteran Booster's Seventh Mission
The first-stage booster used for this mission, designated B1092, has a notable flight history. This launch was its seventh successful mission, demonstrating the reliability and durability of SpaceX's reusable hardware.
Prior to this Starlink deployment, booster B1092 was responsible for launching the U.S. Space Force's secretive X-37B robotic space plane on its most recent mission. The ability to reuse boosters for both commercial and government missions is a key aspect of SpaceX's business model.
Booster B1092 Flight History
According to SpaceX, the booster's previous six missions included a diverse range of important payloads:
- USSF-124: The latest mission for the U.S. Space Force's X-37B space plane.
- CRS-32: A Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station.
- NROL-69: A mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.
- GPS III-7: A satellite for the Global Positioning System network.
- USSF-36: Another national security mission for the U.S. Space Force.
- Two Starlink missions: Previous deployments for the internet constellation.
The reuse of this particular booster underscores the maturity of the Falcon 9 platform and its capability to support a variety of customers and mission profiles.
Expanding the Starlink Megaconstellation
While the Falcon 9's first stage returned to Earth, the upper stage continued its journey. It successfully deployed the 28 Starlink satellites into their intended orbit approximately 64 minutes after the launch.
These satellites will now undergo system checks before raising their orbits to their operational altitude. Once active, they will join the vast network providing internet services to users around the globe.
Starlink by the Numbers
The Starlink constellation is the largest satellite network ever created. With this latest launch, the number of active spacecraft in orbit is approaching 8,400. The company has plans to launch tens of thousands more to enhance coverage and capacity.
Starlink-dedicated missions have become the primary driver of SpaceX's launch manifest. Over 70% of the 117 Falcon 9 flights conducted in 2025 have been for the purpose of building out this internet service.
SpaceX Maintains Rapid Launch Cadence
Reaching 117 Falcon 9 launches before the end of September demonstrates the company's ability to maintain an unprecedented operational tempo. This high flight rate is essential for deploying the thousands of satellites required for the Starlink network's global coverage goals.
The efficiency of the Falcon 9 and the reusability of its components are the key enablers of this cadence. By consistently recovering and relaunching its boosters and fairing halves, SpaceX has dramatically altered the economics of spaceflight.
The company continues to push the boundaries of launch frequency, with missions regularly taking place every few days from its launch sites in Florida and California. This capability not only supports its internal projects like Starlink but also serves a wide range of commercial and government clients.