Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
SpaceX Launches More Starlink Satellites from California
SpaceX initiated a potentially active weekend with another launch of Starlink satellites on May 9 from California. This mission further augments their expanding network of broadband internet satellites.
A Falcon 9 rocket propelled SpaceX’s Starlink 15-3 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 8:19 p.m. EDT (5:19 p.m. local time; 0019 GMT on May 10).
The payload of 26 Starlink satellites commenced their ascent into low Earth orbit (LEO) aboard a Falcon 9 first-stage booster, identified as B1081. This marked the 14th flight for B1081, which has previously supported six other Starlink missions.
Notable Missions of Booster B1081:
- Crew-7
- CRS-29
- PACE
- Transporter-10
- EarthCARE
- NROL-186
- Transporter-13
- 6 Starlink missions
The booster’s nine Merlin engines ceased firing approximately 2.5 minutes into the flight, quickly followed by the separation of B1081 from the rocket’s upper stage.
Approximately 8.5 minutes post-launch, the booster executed a successful landing on SpaceX’s “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship, stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
The rocket’s upper stage proceeded towards LEO with the 26 Starlink satellites and was scheduled to deploy them from the rocket’s payload adapter roughly one hour after liftoff. Over the ensuing days, each satellite will adjust its trajectory to achieve its designated orbit within the expansive Starlink constellation.
Related Content on SpaceX and Starlink:
- SpaceX: Insights into Elon Musk’s private spaceflight enterprise.
- Starlink satellites: Information, tracking details, and the astronomical impact of the Starlink network.
- SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket: Launch of 21 Starlink satellites on a record-setting 26th flight (video and images available).
The Growing Starlink Constellation
SpaceX’s Starlink currently comprises over 7,000 operational satellites and continues to expand. These satellites form a grid that covers nearly the entire planet, excluding the polar regions. Starlink delivers high-speed internet access to users globally, provided they can orient their Starlink receiver towards the sky.
Recent and Future SpaceX Missions
Tonight’s launch represented SpaceX’s 54th Falcon 9 mission in 2025 and the 56th liftoff this year. The remaining two missions involved Starship, SpaceX’s next-generation super-heavy-lift rocket. The company is actively preparing for another Starship test flight – its ninth overall – in the weeks ahead.