SpaceX successfully launched 20 additional Starlink satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The mission, designated Starlink 9-17, lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at 6:50 a.m. PDT, Sep 20.
The Falcon 9 first-stage booster, identified as B1075, completed its 13th flight. Its impressive resume includes the Transporter-11 rideshare mission, an SDA-0A launch for the Space Development Agency, and nine previous Starlink missions.
Approximately one hour and ten minutes after liftoff, SpaceX confirmed the successful deployment of the satellites. The mission also marked another triumph for SpaceX’s reusability efforts. B1075 executed a precise landing on the ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ droneship in the Pacific Ocean, just eight and a half minutes post-launch. This landing represents the 102nd booster recovery on this particular droneship and SpaceX’s 350th overall.
Starlink’s Global Impact
With this latest launch, SpaceX has now deployed over 7,000 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit. The expanding constellation aims to provide high-speed internet access to users worldwide, including:
- Rural areas with limited connectivity
- Maritime applications for ships at sea
- In-flight internet for a growing number of airlines
Starlink’s reach continues to grow, now available on more than 2,500 aircraft across various airlines. In a recent development, United Airlines partnered with SpaceX to bring faster and more reliable internet to their flights using Starlink technology.
As SpaceX maintains its rapid launch cadence, Starlink’s global coverage and accessibility continue to improve, bridging digital divides and connecting more users to high-speed internet services.
