SpaceX Deploys 24 Starlink Satellites, Marking 118th Falcon 9 Launch of 2025

SpaceX successfully deployed 24 Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit on September 19, 2025, following a launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The company confirmed the milestone via its official social media, stating, "Deployment of 24 @Starlink satellites confirmed." This mission, designated Starlink 17-12, further expands the rapidly growing Starlink constellation.

The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the latest batch of satellites, lifted off at 9:31 a.m. local California time after experiencing two weather-related scrubs earlier in the week. The first-stage booster, B1088, completed its tenth flight, successfully landing on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" stationed in the Pacific Ocean approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This recovery marks the 152nd successful landing on this particular vessel.

These newly deployed satellites are optimized Starlink V2 Mini models, designed to be lighter and equipped with Argon Hall effect thrusters for in-orbit maneuvering. With their solar panels unfurled, these satellites boast a wingspan of about 100 feet. The Starlink network currently comprises nearly 8,400 active satellites, solidifying its position as the largest constellation of spacecraft ever assembled.

This launch represents the 118th Falcon 9 liftoff for SpaceX in 2025, with over 70% of these missions dedicated to Starlink deployments. The company's aggressive launch schedule underscores its commitment to expanding global broadband access. SpaceX has also indicated plans to begin deploying significantly larger Starlink Version 3 satellites starting in 2026.