SpaceX is gearing up for a significant milestone with the launch of its **1,900th Starlink satellite** on **October 22, 2024**. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to liftoff from **Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40)** at **Cape Canaveral Space Force Station** in Florida at **07:17 EDT** (11:17 UTC). This mission, known as Starlink 6-61, will deploy a total of 28 satellites, contributing to the company’s extensive broadband internet network.
This launch marks the ninth Starlink mission for SpaceX in **August 2024**, following a busy month that highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its satellite constellation. By the end of the year, SpaceX will have completed **77 Falcon 9 launches**, deploying more than **1,900 Starlink V2 Mini satellites** into low Earth orbit.
Launch Weather and Recovery Efforts
Meteorologists from the **45th Weather Squadron** have provided a favorable forecast for the launch, with a **90 percent chance** of good weather at the start of the window. However, conditions may deteriorate to a **65 percent chance** later on due to potential cumulus clouds and isolated offshore showers. The weather team noted that **high moisture levels** in the atmosphere could lead to the development of showers and thunderstorms as the day progresses.
The Falcon 9 rocket will utilize booster 1077 for this mission, marking its **23rd flight**. This particular booster has previously supported missions, including **NASA’s Crew-5** and **GPS III Space Vehicle 06**. Approximately **8.5 minutes** post-launch, the first stage booster is expected to land on the drone ship **Just Read the Instructions**, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina. If successful, this landing would be the **134th recovery** for that specific drone ship and the **497th** overall for SpaceX.
Starlink’s Rapid Growth
On **August 27, 2025**, SpaceX announced that its Starlink broadband service has reached a remarkable **7 million customers** across approximately **150 countries and territories**. This represents a significant increase of **3 million customers** since **September 2024**. The growth trajectory of Starlink has seen the service expand from **1 million customers** in December 2022 to its current status within just over two years.
Cornelia Rosu, the senior director of Starlink Production, highlighted in a recent video that **two-thirds** of all operational satellites currently in orbit are Starlink satellites. Rosu emphasized SpaceX’s efficiency in manufacturing, stating that the company has ramped up its production to **70 satellites per week** at its facility in **Redmond, Washington**.
The rapid pace of satellite deployment and the increasing number of customers position SpaceX to launch at least **170 Falcon 9 rockets** throughout **2025**, primarily to support its Starlink constellation. Sunday’s launch will be the **108th** mission of the year, further solidifying SpaceX’s dominance in the satellite internet sector.
Starlink satellites are designed and operated from the United States, providing global connectivity and expanding access to high-speed internet in various regions, including underserved areas. As SpaceX continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the company’s impact on global communications remains significant.