On Friday, May 9, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 5:19 p.m. PDT (8:19 p.m. EDT), marking the commencement of the Starlink 15-3 mission. This launch added to SpaceX’s growing Starlink constellation, aiming to provide global internet coverage.
The first-stage booster, designated B1081, completed its 14th flight, having previously supported six Starlink missions. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the booster landed on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You,” stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This recovery underscores SpaceX’s commitment to reusability in its launch operations.
The launch was visible across Southern California, with residents reporting a bright streak in the sky during the early evening hours. Such visibility has become a hallmark of SpaceX’s missions from Vandenberg, often sparking public interest and social media discussions.
This mission follows a series of Starlink launches, contributing to the deployment of the satellite internet network. As of this launch, SpaceX has deployed over 900 Starlink satellites in 2025 alone, reflecting the company’s accelerated launch cadence.
SpaceX’s Starlink project aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas worldwide. The expanding satellite constellation is a critical component of this initiative, with each launch bringing the company closer to its global coverage goals.
For those interested in viewing future launches, SpaceX provides live coverage on its official website and YouTube channel, offering real-time insights into its missions.
