On February 10, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:09 p.m. PST (9:09 p.m. EST), marking another milestone in SpaceX’s mission to expand its global broadband internet constellation.
Successful Recovery
Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage booster returned to Earth, landing on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This successful recovery underscores SpaceX’s commitment to reusability and cost-effective space operations.
The deployment of the 23 Starlink satellites brings the total number of Starlink satellites launched to over 7,000, which are 9.2 feet long, 4.6 feet wide and 0.7 feet thick, have been in orbit since the first launch in 2018, as Space.com reported.
Sonic Booms
“There is a possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions,” SpaceX said in a statement before the launch.
The launch was visible across parts of Southern California, with residents in areas like Bakersfield reporting clear views of the rocket’s ascent.
18th Launch in 2025
This mission marks SpaceX’s 18th Falcon 9 launch in 2025, with 12 dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites. The company plans to continue its rapid launch cadence, with another Starlink mission scheduled from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on February 11, 2025.
As SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink constellation, the company moves closer to its goal of providing high-speed internet access across the globe, bridging the digital divide in underserved regions.
The launch can be seen on cameras that are set up at Vandenberg Space Force Base and on the Falcon 9 rocket itself on SpaceX’s website.
