SpaceX Falcon 9 Completes Fourth Flight, Launches 26 Starlink Satellites from California

SpaceX successfully launched 26 Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:05 p.m. PDT, further expanding the company's global broadband constellation. SpaceX announced the mission on social media, stating, > "Watch Falcon 9 launch 26 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California."

This mission marked the fourth flight for the Falcon 9 first-stage booster, designated B1093, demonstrating SpaceX's continued commitment to reusability. The booster previously supported three other Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the B1093 executed a precise autonomous landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This successful recovery was the 140th touchdown for this vessel and the 475th booster landing to date for SpaceX, underscoring the efficiency of its reusable rocket technology.

The 26 new satellites are part of the Starlink Group 15-2 and are identified as V2 Mini optimized versions. These satellites, weighing approximately 1,267 lbs (575 kg) each, are designed to enhance the capacity and performance of the Starlink network. They feature a wingspan of about 100 feet (30 meters) with solar panels unfurled and utilize Argon Hall effect thrusters for maneuvering. The addition of these satellites brings the total number of active Starlink satellites in orbit to over 7,950.

Starlink aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet globally, particularly in remote and underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX to launch a total of 12,000 Starlink units, with the company actively seeking approval for an additional 30,000 spacecraft to meet growing demand and expand service capabilities. The network reported reaching 42 new countries and growing by 2.7 million active customers in the past year, now serving over 6 million globally.

The launch was the 30th orbital flight from California this year and the 86th Falcon 9 launch for SpaceX in 2025, highlighting the company's high operational tempo. SpaceX's consistent launch cadence from both its East and West Coast facilities underscores its dominance in the commercial spaceflight sector and its rapid progress towards achieving comprehensive global internet coverage through its satellite constellation.