SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 flight

In another milestone for commercial spaceflight, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink internet satellites into orbit today (Sept. 18). The mission marked yet another contribution to the company’s rapidly growing satellite megaconstellation.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 5:30 a.m. EDT (0930 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying the payload of Starlink satellites designed to provide global internet coverage. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s reusable first stage returned to Earth, landing on the SpaceX drone ship "Just Read the Instructions", stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

A Booster with a Track Record

The Falcon 9 booster used in today’s mission, designated B1092, has an extensive flight history. This was its seventh successful launch and landing. Notably, its most recent flight saw it carry the U.S. Space Force's robotic X-37B space plane on a classified mission. The booster has also supported other high-profile missions, including CRS-32, NROL-69, GPS III-7, and two previous Starlink satellite launches.

Expanding the Starlink Network

Following the launch, the Falcon 9's upper stage continued its mission, deploying the 28 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). Deployment is scheduled to occur approximately 64 minutes after liftoff, according to SpaceX’s plans.

Starlink now boasts nearly 8,400 active satellites, making it the largest satellite network ever assembled. This mission represents the 117th Falcon 9 flight of 2025, with more than 70% of those launches dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation.

As SpaceX continues its relentless launch cadence, the company is solidifying its position as a leader in satellite deployment and reusable rocket technology, further advancing global connectivity through its Starlink program.

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