Starlink Just Got a Whole Lot Bigger!

SpaceX Further Expands Starlink Constellation with Successful California Launch

SpaceX continues to bolster its Starlink broadband internet constellation, successfully launching another batch of 27 satellites into Earth orbit on Saturday, May 31st. The mission, which originated from California's Vandenberg Space Force Station, marks another significant step in SpaceX's ambitious plan to provide global internet coverage.

A Falcon 9 rocket, the workhorse of SpaceX's launch manifest, lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at 1:10 p.m. PDT (4:10 p.m. EDT or 2010 GMT). The launch was a visually stunning event, especially for those near the Vandenberg area.

Key Highlights of the Launch:

• Launch Time: 1:10 p.m. PDT (4:10 p.m. EDT or 2010 GMT)


• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E), Vandenberg Space Force Station, California


• Payload: 27 Starlink Satellites


• Rocket: Falcon 9

Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9's first stage made a successful return to Earth, executing a pinpoint landing on the ocean-based droneship, "Of Course I Still Love You." This particular booster has a storied history, marking its 25th flight, including 14 previous Starlink missions. Reusability remains a cornerstone of SpaceX's cost-effective space operations.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 27 Starlink satellites lifts off into the fog blanketing Vandenberg Space Force Station in California on May 31, 2025. (Image credit: SpaceX)

The 27 Starlink satellites were deployed just under an hour after launch, joining the ever-growing constellation in low Earth orbit.

Elon Musk, SpaceX's founder, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the Starlink network. Beyond providing internet access to underserved areas, Starlink plays a crucial role in funding the company's long-term ambitions.

In a recent update to SpaceX employees at the Starbase facility in Texas, Musk stated: "Starlink internet is what is being used to pay for humanity going to Mars." He further added, "I would like to thank everyone out there who has bought Starlink because you are helping to secure the future of civilization and helping make life interplanetary."

The first stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is seen standing on a sea-based droneship after launching 27 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on May 31, 2025. (Image credit: SpaceX)

Starlink has now become the largest satellite constellation ever deployed. Satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell reports that there are currently more than 7,600 active Starlink spacecraft, out of approximately 8,790 total units launched to date. This vast network is constantly being refined and expanded to improve coverage and bandwidth.

This latest launch underscores SpaceX's unwavering commitment to expanding global internet access and pushing the boundaries of space exploration. The continued success of Starlink not only benefits consumers worldwide but also fuels SpaceX's ambitious plans to make humanity a multi-planetary species. It's a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the power of a bold vision.

Tags: SpaceX, Starlink, Falcon 9, Satellite launch, Elon Musk, Internet, Space, Vandenberg, Droneship, Space mission

Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-adds-27-starlink-satellites-to-constellation-after-successful-launch-from-california