SpaceX has once again made headlines with the successful launch of a new batch of its Starlink internet satellites. The event took place on Saturday evening, February 22, from Southern California, marking another milestone in the company's ambitious plan to provide global satellite internet coverage.
A Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 22 Starlink spacecraft, lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Station precisely at 8:38 p.m. EST (5:38 p.m. local time or 0138 GMT on February 23). This launch represents a significant step in expanding the Starlink constellation, which aims to deliver high-speed internet worldwide.
As planned, the Falcon 9's first stage successfully returned to Earth approximately eight minutes after liftoff. It safely touched down on the drone ship, aptly named Of Course I Still Love You, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This achievement highlights SpaceX's commitment to reusability and cost efficiency in space travel.
This mission marked the 11th launch and landing for this particular booster, underscoring its reliability and durability. Remarkably, it was the booster’s 8th mission dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites, emphasizing SpaceX's focus on building its satellite internet network.
Meanwhile, the Falcon 9's upper stage continued its journey, carrying the Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO). The deployment of these satellites occurred approximately 62 minutes after liftoff, further advancing the Starlink project.
As of 2025, SpaceX has conducted 23 Falcon 9 missions, with 17 of these devoted to Starlink flights. This consistent launch cadence demonstrates SpaceX's dedication to expanding its Starlink network, which is poised to transform global internet accessibility.
For more enthusiasts interested in observing these events, related resources provide information on how to see and track the Starlink satellite train in the night sky.
