SpaceX kicked off Wednesday morning with another successful space launches today, sending 25 more Starlink satellites into orbit from California’s coast.
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Falcon 9 — Starlink Group 17-27
| Agency | SpaceX |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 |
| Payload | Communications – 25 Starlink internet satellites |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Site | Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA |
| Time (UTC) | 04:29 |
| Status | SUCCESS – Mission completed successfully |
This launch adds another 25 satellites to SpaceX’s growing internet constellation. According to Spaceflight Now, the mission lifted off right on time at 9:29 PM Pacific Time from California’s coast.
The Starlink program aims to provide global internet coverage through thousands of small satellites. This particular launch was part of the 17th shell of satellites, with this being the 27th group in that orbital plane.
Booster
First stage B1082 completed its 21st flight today, landing successfully on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” after a 44-day turnaround since its previous mission. This booster has now achieved a perfect 21-for-21 landing record since its debut in January 2024.
What to Watch For
- SpaceX continues its impressive booster reuse program with B1082 now matching some of the most-flown Falcon 9 first stages
- West Coast launches from Vandenberg typically target polar and sun-synchronous orbits, making them ideal for Starlink coverage
- The successful landing keeps SpaceX’s drone ship operations running smoothly in both Atlantic and Pacific waters
Today’s rocket launch marks another step forward in SpaceX’s mission to connect the world through space-based internet, with the company maintaining its rapid launch cadence well into 2026.
Sources & Credibility
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100/100
SpaceX
— SpaceX · Launch Provider · Official launch provider website
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88/100
Live Coverage: West Coast SpaceX Falcon 9 mission to launch 25 Starlink satellites
— Spaceflight Now · Space Journalism · Veteran spaceflight journalism outlet — detailed launch coverage since 1999
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