SpaceX successfully launched 24 new satellites for its Starlink network on Saturday, July 25, just one day after demonstrating the same capability on its next-generation Starship vehicle. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink 17-51 group lifted off at 11:51 a.m. EDT (15:21 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. About an hour later, the 24 broadband internet satellites were deployed into low Earth orbit (LEO) as planned.
Eighth flight for booster B1100
The launch marked the eighth mission for the Falcon 9 first stage, booster B1100, which touched down on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This rapid reuse is a hallmark of SpaceX, aimed at reducing space access costs. The booster previously supported the NROL-105 mission and six Starlink launches, demonstrating extraordinary reliability.
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Starlink constellation exceeds 10,800 active satellites
With this launch, the total number of active Starlink satellites rose to 10,865, according to satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell. Notably, that number had been 20 units higher for about 20 minutes on Friday, when SpaceX conducted a deployment and operations trial during the 13th test flight of its Starship launch vehicle. The Starship test, though short-lived, provided critical data to support NASA's decision to use Starlink systems on its crewed Artemis III mission, scheduled for next year. This marks an important step in integrating commercial technologies into government space missions.
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A record year for Falcon 9 launches
Saturday's launch was SpaceX's 87th Falcon 9 mission of the year, a pace exceeding any previous record. The Starlink constellation continues to expand to provide global internet connectivity, focusing on remote and underserved areas. Meanwhile, the company shows no signs of slowing, already preparing for the next launch as the world watches the evolution of the space race. For more on recent big tech moves, check out the article on Meta leaving the RE100 initiative.
External source: Space.com. For more on Starlink technology, visit Wikipedia Starlink.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starlink-17-51-b1100-vsfb-ocisly
