SpaceX Successfully Launches 24 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg

SpaceX has successfully deployed a new batch of 24 Starlink broadband satellites using a Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch occurred at 12:59 a.m. EDT (0359 GMT), marking another step in expanding the satellite network.

The Falcon 9’s first stage, identified as Booster 1082, returned to Earth and touched down at sea on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You,” approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This mission represents the 15th time this particular booster has been used for a launch and recovery.

If all proceeds as planned, the upper stage of the Falcon 9 will deploy the satellites into low Earth orbit approximately 62.5 minutes after launch.

Today’s launch is the 107th Falcon 9 flight of 2025, with over 70% of missions dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation. Currently, more than 8,200 operational satellites make up this vast network, which is the largest satellite constellation ever built.

In addition to Starlink missions, SpaceX has conducted four Starship tests this year. The most recent flight on August 26 was a complete success, bringing the company closer to its goal of deploying a fully reusable rocket capable of supporting lunar and Martian exploration.