Cape Canaveral, FL April 24, 2025 SpaceX continued its impressive streak of space missions with a successful Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station late Thursday night. At exactly 9:52 PM ET, the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 SLC40, carrying a batch of 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites destined for lowEarth orbit.
This launch marked another milestone in SpaceXs ongoing mission to expand its Starlink satellite network, designed to provide global broadband internet coverage. The satellites launched as part of the Starlink 685 mission will join thousands of others in orbit, further enhancing the companys ambitious plan to offer highspeed internet to underserved regions around the world.
A Smooth Launch Amidst Perfect Conditions
The weather conditions were ideal for the mission, with clear skies and light winds allowing for a flawless liftoff. Forecasters had predicted a 95 chance of favorable conditions, and they were right. SpaceXs launch director praised the clear skies, noting that the highpressure system over Florida ensured a smooth operation.
The Falcon 9s firststage booster, tail number B1078, had already flown on numerous missions, including NASAs Crew6 and several previous Starlink launches. This booster marked its 23rd flight, demonstrating SpaceXs growing expertise in reusing rocket components. Just over eight minutes after launch, the booster successfully touched down on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean. This landing was the 428th successful booster recovery for SpaceX, underscoring the companys advancements in rocket reusability.
Starlink V2 Mini: Upgrades to Support More Satellites
The 28 satellites aboard this mission were part of the Starlink V2 Mini series, an upgraded version of the original Starlink V2 design. These new satellites are equipped with advanced Doppio Dualband antennas, optimized avionics, and enhanced propulsion systems. With these upgrades, SpaceX is now able to launch more satellites on each missionup to 29 on future flights, a significant increase from previous iterations. The Starlink V2 Minis are part of a broader strategy to enhance the networks bandwidth and provide faster, more reliable service globally.
A Monumental Year for SpaceX and Starlink
2025 has been a landmark year for SpaceX, with the company aiming to complete its global Starlink constellation by the end of the year. Thursdays launch was one of several Starlink missions scheduled for the coming months, all contributing to the companys goal of offering global internet coverage. As the satellite constellation grows, so does the potential for SpaceX to reach more remote and underserved regions with its internet services.
In addition to the Starlink launches, SpaceX continues to manage multiple commercial and government missions, solidifying its position as a leader in space transportation and satellite services. With this latest launch, SpaceX has now successfully deployed hundreds of Starlink satellites into orbit, building the infrastructure needed for global connectivity.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Starlink
SpaceX has big plans for the Starlink network, particularly in terms of satellite design. The company is working on developing Starlink V3 satellites, which will be significantly larger and capable of providing even faster internet speeds. These satellites will be launched aboard SpaceXs nextgeneration Starship rocket, currently under development. The Starship system, when operational, is expected to dramatically increase SpaceXs capacity for launching payloads into orbit, including Starlink V3 satellites.
As for Thursdays mission, the success adds another notch to SpaceXs growing reputation for reliable and efficient satellite launches. With more Starlink missions planned for the coming weeks and months, the company is clearly on track to fulfill its vision of revolutionizing global internet access through spacebased infrastructure.
The launch of 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral represents not only a technological achievement for SpaceX but also a significant step towards their larger goal of bridging the digital divide. As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of rocket reusability and satellite technology, the future of spacebased internet looks brighter than ever.