SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches 28 Starlink Satellites in Starlink 10-61 Mission: A New Milestone in Satellite Internet Expansion

On September 18, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, deploying 28 Starlink V2 mini satellites into low Earth orbit. This mission, known as Starlink Group 10-61, marks another vital step in SpaceX's ambitious plan to extend its broadband satellite constellation and offer high-speed internet access worldwide. With the Falcon 9 launcher showcasing exceptional reusability and reliability, this launch further solidifies SpaceX's position as a leader in commercial spaceflight and satellite communications.

SpaceX Building

The Starlink 10-61 Launch Overview

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral at 5:30 a.m. EDT (0930 UTC) under mostly favorable weather conditions with a 65% chance of good weather. The rocket carried 28 Starlink V2 mini satellites, which are part of the second generation of Starlink satellites designed for improved performance and higher data rates compared to earlier models. Approximately 45 minutes after launch, the satellites were successfully deployed into a low Earth orbit, beginning their mission to enhance the global Starlink network.

This launch marked the 561st mission for SpaceX and Falcon 9’s 535th flight, underscoring the rocket’s dominance in the global launch market. The booster, identified as B1092, completed its seventh flight, highlighting SpaceX’s commitment to rocket reusability. After booster separation, B1092 executed a flawless landing on the drone ship “Just Read the Instructions,” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 506th booster landing to date and the 136th landing for that particular drone ship.

Reusability and Falcon 9’s Proven Record

One of SpaceX’s groundbreaking innovations is the reusability of its Falcon 9 first-stage boosters. Booster B1092, used in this mission, had been previously flown six times, supporting diverse missions including national security payloads, Starlink launches, and cargo flights to the International Space Station (ISS).

Falcon 9’s Block 5 booster type was developed with rapid reusability in mind, designed to be reused up to 10 times with minimal refurbishment and up to 100 times with more extensive maintenance. SpaceX’s ability to rapidly turn around rockets has lowered launch costs and transformed space access economics. As of mid-2025, certain Falcon 9 boosters have already surpassed 30 flights, a testament to the robust engineering behind these vehicles.

This reusable launch system greatly contributes to SpaceX’s ability to launch Starlink satellites frequently and cost-effectively, fueling the rapid expansion of the satellite internet constellation around the globe.

What Are Starlink V2 Mini Satellites?

The newly launched V2 mini satellites represent the next iteration in Starlink technology. Compared to the initial generation, these mini satellites are smaller, yet equipped with enhanced communication capabilities, greater bandwidth, and more efficient power usage. They work together as part of a mega-constellation network designed to blanket the Earth in low latency, high-speed internet coverage, especially benefiting remote and underserved regions.

Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation currently consists of thousands of satellites, and adding batches like the 28 satellites from the Starlink 10-61 mission continues to improve network speed, reliability, and accessibility for users worldwide.

The Growing Importance of Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is becoming increasingly vital as traditional cable and fiber optics struggle to reach remote and rural areas. SpaceX’s Starlink network is pioneering the delivery of broadband internet services to locations where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable, unreliable, or prohibitively expensive to deploy.

With faster internet speeds and lower latency than previous satellite internet offerings, Starlink is transforming connectivity options for consumers, businesses, and critical sectors like disaster response, maritime operations, and aviation.

Another Starlink Launch Scheduled

After the successful completion of the Starlink 10-61 mission, SpaceX is gearing up for another Starlink launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission, originally scheduled for September 17 but delayed due to weather conditions, is designated Starlink 17-12. It aims to deploy 24 Starlink V2 mini satellites into a polar low Earth orbit using the Falcon 9 booster B1088. Similar to booster B1092, B1088 has completed multiple successful flights and landings, highlighting SpaceX’s commitment to cost-efficient reusability in its operations.

Future Horizons: Starship and Starlink Version 3

While Falcon 9 and Starlink V2 mini satellites are currently driving the expansion of global satellite broadband, SpaceX is simultaneously developing its next-generation Starship vehicle. Starship promises larger payload capacities and full reusability of both booster and second stage, which could further revolutionize space access.

Additionally, the Starlink constellation is poised to advance with the launch of much larger Starlink Version 3 satellites, scheduled to begin deployment in 2026. These upgraded satellites are anticipated to provide increased coverage and capacity, allowing SpaceX to accommodate more users with improved performance.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Starlink 10-61 mission is a shining example of the company’s vision to democratize internet access through space-based technology. This successful launch of 28 Starlink V2 mini satellites underscores SpaceX’s leadership in reusable rocket technology and satellite communications. As the Starlink constellation continues to grow, billions worldwide stand to benefit from reliable, high-speed internet connectivity regardless of their location.

The ongoing innovation in launch vehicle reusability and satellite technology by SpaceX is reshaping the aerospace industry and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both commercial spaceflight and global broadband delivery.