SpaceX successfully expanded its broadband internet service with the launch of 24 new Starlink satellites on August 14, 2025. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1:05 a.m. EDT (0505 GMT or 10:05 p.m. PDT on August 13). This launch marked another significant milestone in the company’s efforts to enhance its satellite constellation.
The Starlink Group 17-4 mission achieved its objectives just nine minutes after liftoff. Following a nominal ascent, the Falcon 9’s upper stage, powered by a single Merlin engine, was on course to reach its designated orbit. The satellites were expected to be deployed approximately one hour post-launch.
Fifth Flight for Booster 1093
The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, designated Booster 1093, completed its fifth flight successfully. It landed on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” located in the Pacific Ocean, contributing to the sustainable reuse of SpaceX’s launch vehicles. All previous missions of this booster have focused on augmenting SpaceX’s growing satellite megaconstellation.
According to satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, this launch increases the total number of active Starlink satellites to over 8,100, out of nearly 9,400 launched since 2018. The continuous growth of the Starlink network is crucial for SpaceX’s vision of providing global broadband internet coverage.
Significant Milestones Achieved
This launch represented SpaceX’s 98th Falcon 9 mission in 2025 and the 516th flight overall since the company’s inception in 2010. It also marked the 452nd reuse of a Falcon 9 first stage and the 487th landing, underscoring SpaceX’s commitment to reusability and cost efficiency in space operations.
As SpaceX continues to innovate and expand its satellite internet service, the implications for global connectivity are profound. The advancements made with each launch not only contribute to SpaceX’s objectives but also enhance internet access for underserved regions around the world.