SpaceX Deploys 29 Starlink V2 Mini Satellites, Expanding Global Internet Constellation

SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit on October 29, 2025, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The deployment, confirmed by SpaceX via its official social media channels, utilized a Falcon 9 rocket, further expanding the company's ambitious global broadband network. This mission marks a continued rapid cadence for Starlink deployments, with the constellation now exceeding 8,700 active satellites.

The Falcon 9 rocket, specifically booster B1082 (also identified as B1083 in some reports), completed its 15th flight, showcasing SpaceX's reusability prowess. This particular booster has a notable flight history, including the Crew-8 astronaut mission to the International Space Station and the Polaris Dawn crewed flight, which featured the first private spacewalk. The successful first-stage landing occurred on the drone ship 'Just Read the Instructions' in the Atlantic Ocean.

The deployed satellites are identified as Starlink V2 Mini Optimized, a crucial iteration designed for enhanced performance. These V2 Mini satellites are more robust and feature upgraded argon Hall thrusters, which provide 2.4 times the thrust and 1.5 times the specific impulse compared to first-generation thrusters. They also incorporate refitted phased array antennas and E-band backhaul capabilities, significantly quadrupling Starlink's data capacity per satellite.

This launch contributes to Starlink's ongoing efforts to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved areas globally. As of early 2025, Starlink reported over 5 million subscribers worldwide, connecting individuals and organizations across more than 125 countries. The continuous deployment of these advanced satellites is vital for improving service quality and expanding coverage, particularly as the network grows its user base.