SpaceX Launches Record 500th Starlink Satellite in 2026 Mission
SpaceX launched its 500th Starlink of 2026, deploying 25 V2 Mini satellites from Vandenberg; booster B1093 landed on OCISLY.
SpaceX reached an impressive milestone on February 25, 2026, with the launch of its 500th Starlink satellite of the year. This accomplishment was achieved during the Starlink 17-26 mission, which successfully deployed 25 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The mission, which lifted off at 6:17:49 a.m. PST (9:17:49 a.m. EST / 1417:49 UTC), marks another step in SpaceX’s effort to expand its massive satellite internet constellation. The deployment brought the total number of Starlink satellites launched in 2026 to 512, moving the company closer to its goal of reaching 10,000 operational spacecraft in low Earth orbit. SpaceX confirmed the payload deployment approximately one hour after liftoff.
A Reliable Workhorse: Falcon 9
The launch utilized a Falcon 9 rocket, specifically the first stage booster designated B1093. This particular booster has become a recurring figure in SpaceX’s fleet, with the Starlink 17-26 mission marking its 11th flight. Previous missions flown by B1093 include two launches for the Space Development Agency and eight earlier Starlink missions.
Adding to SpaceX’s consistent success in booster recovery, the Falcon 9 first stage landed safely on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You", stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This achievement represents the 180th landing for the drone ship and the 577th successful booster recovery for SpaceX overall.
Continued Growth of the Starlink Network
With this latest launch, SpaceX continues to demonstrate its capability to maintain a high-paced launch cadence while growing its broadband network. The 25 satellites deployed during this mission will contribute to the increasing capacity of Starlink’s internet services worldwide.
As SpaceX hits new records and milestones, its reusable Falcon 9 rockets and recovery systems remain key to its ambitious plans for building and maintaining a vast satellite constellation. "Update Feb. 25 10:15 a.m. EST (1515 UTC): SpaceX confirms touchdown of the booster."
The Starlink network’s rapid expansion underscores the company’s leadership in the commercial space sector, with each launch reinforcing its vision of global connectivity powered by space technology.
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