SpaceX successfully launched the first batch of its Starlink internet satellites for 2025 from Florida’s Space Coast on January 6. The mission marked another step forward in the company’s quest to expand its global broadband network. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites lifted off at 3:43 p.m. EST (2043 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Just eight minutes after liftoff, the rocket's reusable first stage made a pinpoint landing on the SpaceX droneship Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Credit: SpaceX
This mission highlighted SpaceX’s growing expertise in reusability. The Falcon 9 booster used in this launch completed its 17th flight and landing — a significant milestone. According to SpaceX, this booster has supported a range of missions, including 10 Starlink launches and even a crewed flight, the Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station for NASA.
The Falcon 9’s upper stage continued its journey, carrying the 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. Deployment is scheduled to occur approximately 65 minutes after liftoff.
Expanding the World’s Largest Satellite Constellation
Starlink, SpaceX’s ambitious satellite internet project, is already the largest satellite constellation ever deployed. With today’s launch, the number of active Starlink satellites has grown to over 6,850, according to satellite tracker and astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.
The constellation’s primary goal is to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved regions worldwide. As SpaceX continues to launch new satellites, it is also working on enhancing the network's capacity and performance to meet growing demand.
This mission underscores SpaceX’s ongoing commitment to rocket reusability, a key factor in reducing the cost of space exploration and operations. The Falcon 9 booster’s 17th flight sets a high bar for reusable rocket technology. The ability to repeatedly launch and recover the same hardware is central to SpaceX’s broader vision of making space more accessible and sustainable.
Today’s launch marks the beginning of what is expected to be another busy year for SpaceX. The company completed a record-breaking 61 launches in 2024 and is likely aiming to surpass that milestone in 2025. With missions ranging from Starlink deployments to crewed flights and interplanetary exploration, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of modern spaceflight.
As the Falcon 9’s upper stage completes its mission and deploys the 24 new Starlink satellites, SpaceX once again demonstrates its leadership in the commercial space industry. The company’s efforts not only shape the future of satellite internet but also set the stage for more ambitious ventures in the years to come.
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