SpaceX launches 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites from Cape Canaveral
SpaceX lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Sunday morning, sending 28 Starlink V2 Mini broadband satellites into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch occurred at 7:49 a.m. EDT.
The first stage of the rocket, making its 23rd flight, previously supported missions including Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, NG-20, TD7, and 15 prior Starlink missions. After stage separation, the booster is expected to land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Starlink constellation aims to provide internet access across the globe, with the company saying it serves more than 6 million customers in 140 countries, territories and other markets.
Sunday’s liftoff marked the 14th Falcon 9 launch in August, highlighting SpaceX’s ongoing high cadence of missions as it expands its satellite internet network.
Additional context and value:
– The 28 satellites add capacity to Starlink’s growing V2 Mini network, which is part of SpaceX’s next-generation approach to delivering higher bandwidth with a scalable footprint.
– The mission underscores SpaceX’s reuse program, leveraging a flight-proven booster to support rapid, frequent launches.
– The continued expansion of Starlink could enhance connectivity for rural and remote areas, on ships and in aircraft, and bolster emergency communications where terrestrial networks are limited.
– SpaceX’s August launch pace reflects the company’s broader strategy to scale both its launch services and its satellite internet constellation in parallel.
Bottom line: SpaceX maintains momentum with another Falcon 9 launch, pushing forward Starlink’s global coverage with 28 new V2 Mini satellites and reinforcing its reputation for a high- cadence, reusable-flight program.
Summary: SpaceX successfully placed 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral, continuing its rapid deployment of the Starlink network while highlighting a busy launch month and the ongoing reuse of a first-stage booster.