SpaceX continues to make waves in the space industry with yet another successful Starlink mission, launching 24 more internet-beaming satellites into orbit late Friday night from California.
The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday, July 18, at 8:52 p.m. PT / 11:52 p.m. ET. Approximately an hour later, the upper stage deployed the satellites into low Earth orbit, as confirmed by SpaceX in a post on X.
This particular mission marked the 14th flight for the rocket’s reusable first stage, which landed smoothly aboard the autonomous droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. The launch also signified SpaceX’s 88th Falcon 9 mission of 2025 and its 516th overall, showcasing the company’s consistent launch cadence.
Known as Starlink Group 17-3, this mission brought the active Starlink satellite count to over 7,965 out of the more than 9,200 launched since 2019. Starlink aims to provide high-speed broadband internet access across the globe, particularly to underserved and remote areas. Recently, the service has expanded to offer direct-to-cell service in collaboration with select partner carriers.
Just two days prior to this launch, SpaceX successfully deployed the KF-01 mission for Amazon’s Starlink competitor, Project Kuiper, from Florida. Additionally, the company is gearing up for its fifth O3b mPOWER mission for SES Satellites, scheduled for Monday, July 21, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s SLC-40.
Looking ahead, SpaceX is planning to roll out its third-generation Starlink satellites in the first half of 2026, promising even faster and more reliable service for users. Starlink recently achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 2 million active subscribers in the U.S. and 500,000 in Canada, highlighting the service’s growing global coverage and capabilities.
As SpaceX continues to push boundaries and expand its reach in the satellite internet market, the company’s relentless innovation and dedication to providing high-quality service remain at the forefront of its mission. Watch the full launch replay below to witness the latest success in SpaceX’s ongoing journey towards revolutionizing connectivity.