SpaceX Successfully Launches 23 Starlink Satellites from California

SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites into orbit on Monday, 10 February 2025.

The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 9:09 p.m. EST (6:09 p.m. local time; 0209 GMT on 11 February).

The mission proceeded as planned, with the Falcon 9’s first stage returning to Earth approximately eight minutes after liftoff, landing safely on the SpaceX drone ship  stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

According to SpaceX, this marked the 23rd launch and landing for this particular booster, 14 of which have been dedicated to Starlink missions.

Meanwhile, the Falcon 9’s upper stage continued its journey, successfully deploying the 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit around 65 minutes after launch.

This latest mission brings SpaceX’s total Falcon 9 launches in 2025 to 18, with 12 of them dedicated to Starlink. The Starlink satellite network, the largest ever deployed, now consists of over 6,900 operational satellites, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.

The Starlink programme aims to expand global broadband coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas.