SpaceX Boosts Starlink Constellation with 29 Satellite Launch, Reaching 8 Million Subscribers

Cape Canaveral, Florida – SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink V2 satellites into low Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station early Saturday morning. This mission, which lifted off at 2:53 a.m. EST on November 22, 2025, marks a significant expansion for the company's global broadband internet service, coinciding with Starlink reaching 8 million subscribers worldwide. The launch further solidifies SpaceX's rapid deployment cadence, representing the 150th Falcon 9 flight and the 109th Starlink delivery mission of the year.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster, designated B1090, completed its ninth flight, demonstrating SpaceX's commitment to reusability. Following stage separation, the booster executed a precise landing on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This consistent recovery of first-stage boosters is a cornerstone of SpaceX's strategy to reduce launch costs and increase mission frequency.

The newly deployed satellites are part of Starlink's V2 mini generation, which features enhanced capabilities including more powerful argon Hall thrusters and improved data capacity. These upgrades are crucial for meeting the growing demand for high-speed, low-latency internet, especially in remote and underserved regions globally. The V2 mini satellites are a precursor to the larger V2 models intended for launch on SpaceX's Starship vehicle.

As of November 2025, the Starlink constellation now comprises over 7,600 operational satellites, accounting for 65% of all active satellites in low Earth orbit. SpaceX plans to eventually deploy nearly 12,000 satellites, with potential expansion to 34,400, to provide comprehensive global coverage. The rapid growth of the constellation and its subscriber base underscores the increasing reliance on satellite internet for diverse applications, from individual users to emergency services.

Starlink's continued expansion is a testament to its market impact, with revenues projected to reach $11.8 billion in 2025. The service has become vital for connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking, and has seen significant use in emergency situations and for military communications. However, the increasing number of satellites has also raised concerns among astronomers regarding light pollution and potential orbital collision risks, issues SpaceX has stated it is actively working to mitigate.