SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites from Florida

SpaceX launched a batch of 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on November 18, 2025, at 7:12 p.m. EST. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off into the night sky, marking another successful mission for the company.

Approximately 8.5 minutes after launch, the rocket's first stage made a successful landing on the SpaceX drone ship named 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the twelfth launch and landing for this particular booster, designated 1085.

Following the first stage landing, the upper stage of the Falcon 9 deployed the 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit about 65 minutes after liftoff. This mission brings the total number of operational Starlink satellites to over 9,000, with the current count reported at 8,979 according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.

Since the beginning of 2025, SpaceX has completed 148 Falcon 9 missions, with 107 dedicated to the expansion of the Starlink megaconstellation. Additionally, the company has conducted five suborbital test flights of its Starship rocket this year, which is designed to be the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, emphasizing SpaceX's commitment to rapid and full reusability.

The ongoing expansion of the Starlink network aims to enhance global internet coverage, showcasing SpaceX's capabilities in advancing satellite communications. This recent launch is a testament to SpaceX's operational efficiency and its focus on building a robust satellite infrastructure to meet global connectivity demands.

The successful deployment of these satellites marks another significant step in SpaceX's ambitious goal to provide high-speed internet access worldwide, particularly in underserved regions.