SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches 28 Starlink Satellites, Scores 23rd Droneship Landing

SpaceX successfully launched 28 new Starlink satellites and achieved the 23rd landing of its Falcon 9 booster B1069, marking another major milestone in expanding global broadband coverage.

Falcon 9’s Successful Starlink Deployment and Booster Landing

On Thursday night, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex-40 at 9:52 p.m. EDT (0152 GMT on April 25).
The mission deployed 28 new Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), reinforcing SpaceX’s Starlink 6-74 mission.

Approximately 2.5 minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s first stage, booster B1069, separated from the second stage and made a precise landing on the autonomous droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean around six minutes later.
This achievement marks the 23rd successful landing for this booster and its 19th mission supporting Starlink deployments.

Meanwhile, the Falcon 9’s second stage proceeded flawlessly to release the payload into orbit, completing satellite deployment about one hour into the mission.

Starlink Network Strengthens With 28 New Satellites

The newly deployed satellites expand the Starlink network, which already boasts 7,000+ operational units.
SpaceX’s goal remains steadfast — to deliver high-speed internet access worldwide, particularly to remote and underserved regions, with an exception for the polar areas.

Over the coming days, the satellites will gradually drift into their designated orbital slots, integrating into the massive Starlink constellation.

SpaceX’s Breakneck 2025 Launch Pace

Thursday’s launch marks:

• 47th Falcon 9 mission of 2025

• 30th Starlink-only mission this year

SpaceX’s aggressive schedule highlights its ambition to accelerate global broadband coverage and strengthen the resilience of its satellite communications network.

The Starlink project is not only reshaping global internet accessibility but also setting new standards in reusable rocket technology and orbital deployment precision.