SpaceX achieved a milestone today by launching its 100th Starlink mission of the year on October 31. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 28 of its Starlink broadband satellites, lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 4:41 p.m. EDT (2041 GMT; 1:41 p.m. local time).
Starlink, SpaceX’s ambitious satellite internet network operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), has become the largest satellite constellation ever created. To date, the company has launched over 10,000 Starlink satellites, with nearly 8,800 currently active, contributing to global internet access.
This launch comes during an active year for SpaceX, which has conducted 138 Falcon 9 missions thus far in 2025, of which 99 have been dedicated to the Starlink program. The significant number of launches highlights SpaceX’s commitment to expanding its broadband service.
The Falcon 9 first stage successfully returned to Earth roughly 8.5 minutes post-launch, landing in the Pacific Ocean on the SpaceX drone ship named “Of Course I Still Love You.” This launch marked the 29th flight for booster number 1063, approaching the Falcon 9 reuse record of 31 flights.
As the upper stage of the Falcon 9 continues to carry the Starlink satellites to their designated orbit, they are expected to be deployed approximately one hour after liftoff. This achievement signifies not only technical prowess but also SpaceX’s goal of enhancing global internet connectivity through its Starlink network.