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SpaceX Launches 26 More Starlink Satellites
SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink broadband internet constellation, launching 26 new spacecraft on Thursday, June 12. This latest deployment adds to the existing network of over 7,600 active satellites orbiting in low Earth orbit, further strengthening the company’s mission to provide global internet access with high-speed capabilities.
Falcon 9 Lifts Off from Vandenberg
The 26 Starlink satellites were propelled into orbit by a Falcon 9 rocket, which launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The liftoff occurred at 9:54 p.m. EDT (6:54 p.m. PDT local time, or 0154 GMT on June 13).
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 26 Starlink satellites lifts off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Thursday, June 12, 2025. | Credit: SpaceX
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Following the launch, the satellites were scheduled to detach from the Falcon 9’s second stage approximately one hour and one minute after launch.
Reusable Booster B1081
A key component of the launch was the Falcon 9’s first stage, identified as Booster B1081. Prior to this mission, SpaceX had successfully flown this particular booster 14 times. Following its role in the Starlink launch, B1081 made another successful landing on the ocean-based droneship “Of Course I Still Love You,” which was positioned off the coast of Southern California.
B1081 Missions:
- Crew-7
- CRS-29
- PACE
- Transporter-10
- EarthCARE
- NROL-186
- Transporter-13
- 7 Starlink missions
The first stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is seen after touching down on an ocean-based drone ship in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, June 12, 2025. | Credit: SpaceX
SpaceX’s current record for Falcon 9 first stage reuse remains at 28 launches.
Starlink’s Global Reach and Direct-to-Cell Capabilities
SpaceX, under the leadership of Elon Musk, promotes Starlink as a provider of “high-speed internet around the world.” The extensive satellite network offers coverage across the globe. Progressively, more Starlink satellites are being equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, facilitating texting and internet access directly from compatible smartphones through partnered service providers.
2025 Launch Statistics
With the successful conclusion of Thursday’s mission, SpaceX has now completed 72 Falcon 9 launches in 2025. A significant portion, 53 of these launches, were dedicated to supporting and expanding the Starlink network.