SpaceX Successfully Launches 24 Starlink Satellites into Polar Orbit, Marks 88th Falcon 9 Flight of 2025

California — SpaceX achieved another milestone late Friday night as it successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth polar orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at precisely 8:52 p.m. PDT from Pad 4 East. Roughly eight minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s first-stage booster completed a flawless landing on the autonomous droneship Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

This particular booster completed its 14th mission, while the landing marked the 141st mission using this droneship and the 477th successful recovery of a Falcon 9 first-stage on a SpaceX droneship.

With Friday’s mission, SpaceX has now flown 88 Falcon 9 rockets in 2025 alone, contributing to a cumulative total of 516 Falcon 9 launches since the vehicle’s inception, launched from both California and Florida.

Approximately one hour after liftoff, all 24 Starlink satellites were successfully deployed into polar orbit. These new additions bring the total number of active Starlink satellites in orbit to 7,965 since the constellation began deployment in 2019.

Starlink, a project by SpaceX, continues to expand its global internet services, offering broadband connectivity and direct-to-cell coverage, especially in remote and underserved regions.

Upcoming Launch

SpaceX’s next mission is scheduled for Monday at 5:12 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. A Falcon 9 rocket will carry the fifth pair of 03b mPower satellites to medium-Earth orbit on behalf of Luxembourg-based operator SES. These satellites are designed to enhance global communication networks.

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SpaceX’s relentless pace in 2025 highlights its leadership in reusable launch technology and its commitment to building a global satellite internet infrastructure.