SpaceX completes February with three successful Starlink launches
SpaceX completed three Falcon 9 Starlink launches in late Feb 2026, deploying 83 satellites and recovering boosters.
SpaceX concluded February 2026 with a trio of Starlink satellite launches, deploying a total of 83 satellites into low Earth orbit. These missions further expanded the company’s ambitious satellite internet network, which now boasts more than 9,850 operational units circling the planet.
Three Launches, Three Successes
The week began with a Falcon 9 rocket lifting off on February 24 at 6:04 p.m. EST (2304 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This mission delivered 29 Starlink satellites into orbit.
The following day, February 25, another Falcon 9 launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 9:17 a.m. EST (1417 GMT or 6:17 a.m. PST local time). This mission successfully deployed 25 additional satellites.
The week concluded on February 27 with yet another Falcon 9 launch carrying 29 Starlink satellites. Liftoff occurred at 7:16 a.m. EST (1216 GMT) from the same Florida launch site as the first mission.
Reusability Milestones
SpaceX continued to demonstrate the reliability of its reusable rockets with these launches. Each Falcon 9 booster returned safely to Earth, landing on droneships stationed in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The booster used in the February 24 mission, identified as B1092, completed its 10th flight by landing on the "Just Read the Instructions" droneship. The February 25 launch utilized booster B1093, which landed on "Of Course I Still Love You" after its 11th mission. The final launch of the month saw booster B1069 touch down on "A Shortfall of Gravitas", marking its impressive 30th flight.
Expanding Global Connectivity
The 83 satellites deployed during the week are part of SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to areas with limited or no connectivity. The network also supports cell-to-satellite communication and in-flight Wi-Fi services on select airlines.
These three launches increased SpaceX’s total for 2026 to 25 Falcon 9 missions, further solidifying the company’s status as a leader in commercial spaceflight.
Pioneering New Frontiers
The rapid cadence of launches underscores SpaceX’s commitment to expanding its Starlink network and maintaining its position at the forefront of reusable rocket technology. As the company continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, its efforts bring not only innovation but also increased global access to internet connectivity.
"The 83 satellites boosted the commercial broadband internet network to including more than 9,850 units in Earth orbit", according to satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.
With February concluded, SpaceX looks poised to maintain its momentum throughout the year.
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