SpaceX Launches 23 Starlink Satellites from Cape Canaveral

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit on Tuesday morning. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:05 a.m. EDT (1305 UTC) as part of its Starlink mission 12-24.

Prior to the launch, the 45th Weather Squadron reported a 95 percent chance of favorable conditions for takeoff. However, the forecast shifted later to a 70 percent likelihood of good weather during the four-hour launch window. “Shower chances are low in the morning but will increase in the early afternoon,” weather officers cautioned.

The Falcon 9 rocket was powered by booster B1083, which completed its 12th flight, having previously supported six Starlink missions and notable missions such as NASA’s Crew-8. Eight minutes post-launch, the booster successfully landed on the droneship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 124th landing for this vessel.

Among the 23 Starlink satellites launched, 13 are equipped with SpaceX’s new Direct to Cell technology, designed to provide mobile internet services directly to smartphones and other devices. This expansion is aimed at reducing cellular dead zones globally.

As of this launch, SpaceX has deployed 260 Direct to Cell-capable satellites in 2025 alone, contributing to an extensive network of more than 7,000 Starlink satellites regularly providing internet coverage around the world.

In related space news, the SpaceX Dragon supply ship was forced to abort its approach to the International Space Station due to GPS navigation issues. Engineers at Boeing are finalizing the construction of six new solar arrays intended to enhance the ISS’s electrical systems, with a launch planned for May.

Meanwhile, SpaceX encountered technical difficulties with its Super Heavy booster intended for a future mission in Texas, which was delayed due to a faulty valve. The next attempt for this exceptionally large launch vehicle is set for Thursday, contingent on weather conditions and repairs.