SpaceX successfully launched 24 additional Starlink satellites from California on August 14, 2025, further expanding its broadband internet service. The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 1:05 a.m. EDT (05:05 GMT or 10:05 p.m. PDT on August 13). Approximately nine minutes after liftoff, the Starlink Group 17-4 mission reached its designated orbit.
The Falcon 9’s upper stage, powered by a single Merlin engine, was on track to deploy the satellites roughly one hour after launch. This mission marked a significant step in SpaceX’s efforts to establish a comprehensive global internet network via its growing constellation of satellites.
Details of the Launch
The first stage of the Falcon 9, known as Booster 1093, completed its fifth flight successfully, landing on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” stationed in the Pacific Ocean. Each of these missions has contributed to the expansion of SpaceX’s megaconstellation, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved areas worldwide.
According to satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, this launch elevated the number of active Starlink satellites to over 8,100, from nearly 9,400 launched since the program’s inception in 2018. This launch was notable as it represented SpaceX’s 98th Falcon 9 mission in 2025 and the 516th flight of the Falcon 9 rocket since its debut in 2010.
Continued Innovation in Space Technology
The reuse of rocket components has become a hallmark of SpaceX’s strategy, with this flight marking the 452nd reuse of a Falcon 9 first stage and the 487th successful landing. SpaceX’s approach not only reduces costs for satellite launches but also demonstrates the effectiveness of its reusability model in the aerospace industry.
As SpaceX continues to launch additional satellites, the company is solidifying its position as a leader in satellite internet technology, with plans to enhance global connectivity. The ongoing missions contribute not only to technological advancements but also to the growing availability of internet services for users across the globe.
