SpaceX continues its relentless expansion of the Starlink constellation with another successful launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. A Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 24 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, soared into the sky earlier today, marking the 27th Starlink mission from Vandenberg this year alone.
Another Milestone for Starlink
The Starlink 17-6 mission successfully deployed its payload, adding to the ever-growing network of satellites providing internet access around the globe. This launch brings SpaceX's total Starlink launches for 2025 to over 1,800 satellites. The company confirmed the successful deployment of the satellites via social media shortly after launch.
B1081's Remarkable Flight History
The Falcon 9 first stage booster, designated B1081, played a crucial role in this mission. This was its 17th flight, a testament to the reusability of SpaceX's rockets. Previous missions for B1081 include supporting NASA's PACE and TRACERS missions, as well as the Crew-7 mission. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1081 successfully landed on the droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You,' marking the 146th booster landing on that vessel and the 491st booster landing overall.
Starlink's Dominance in Orbit
These 24 new satellites will join the more than 8,100 operational Starlink satellites already in orbit, making it the largest satellite network ever assembled. SpaceX has launched a staggering 102 Falcon 9 missions in 2025, with over 70% of them dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation. This continuous expansion highlights SpaceX's commitment to providing global internet connectivity.
Beyond Starlink: SpaceX's Ambitious Goals
While Starlink continues to be a major focus, SpaceX also has its sights set on even grander ambitions. The company is actively developing Starship, a giant rocket designed to facilitate the colonization of Mars. Another Starship flight is scheduled for this Sunday, showcasing SpaceX's dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.