SpaceX Successfully Launches and Lands Falcon 9, Sending 28 Starlink Satellites

CAP CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station early Thursday morning, delivering 28 Starlink V2 mini satellites into low Earth orbit.

The Starlink 10-61 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 40 at 5:30 a.m. EDT (0930 UTC) amid a 65 percent chance of good weather, according to the 45th Weather Squadron. The launch followed predictions of isolated cumulus clouds that posed minor concerns for flight conditions.

“Most of the cloud tops should remain at, or below, flight-through levels,” launch weather officers noted. “However, some tops may extend high enough to require more standoff distance.”

After approximately 8.5 minutes, the Falcon 9’s first stage booster, designated B1092, made a successful landing on the drone ship “Just Read the Instructions.” This marked the booster’s seventh flight and a significant achievement, as it was SpaceX’s 506th booster landing to date.

Previously, B1092 participated in various missions, including national security missions and cargo flights to the International Space Station. The Starlink V2 satellites are part of SpaceX’s ongoing effort to expand its satellite internet service.

In a related development, SpaceX plans to construct new BFR rocket boosters and spaceships in a facility at the Port of Los Angeles, reflecting the company’s growth in the aerospace sector.

The Starlink satellites will be deployed into orbit approximately one hour after the rocket’s launch. This successful mission continues to build on SpaceX’s extensive network, which is considerably expanding its capabilities as the largest satellite network in operation.