SpaceX achieved a significant milestone today, October 23, with the successful launch of its 139th mission of the year. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 9:30 p.m. EDT, successfully deploying the Spainsat NG-2 satellite, which is part of the Spainsat Next Generation constellation.
The two satellites in the Spainsat NG project are designed to enhance military communications for the Spanish Armed Forces and their partners, underscoring the importance of secure communications in modern defense operations. The inaugural Spainsat NG satellite was previously launched in January, marking a continued commitment to bolstering Spain’s military capabilities through advanced technology.
Approximately 36 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s upper stage was expected to place the Spainsat NG-2 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. Interestingly, the rocket’s first stage did not return for a typical touchdown, as it operated in expendable mode to meet the heightened performance demands of this mission. This marked the 22nd flight for this particular booster.
With this launch, SpaceX has reinforced its dominant position in the aerospace industry, having completed 134 Falcon 9 missions this year alone, a new company record. The totals for 2025 include five suborbital test flights of the Starship megarocket, illustrating SpaceX’s expansive reach in both satellite deployments and test activities.
Last year, SpaceX completed 132 Falcon 9 missions along with four Starship test launches and two Falcon Heavy liftoffs, showcasing the company’s consistent growth and ambition in aerospace technology.
This record-setting achievement not only reflects SpaceX’s operational efficiency but also highlights the increasing global reliance on satellite technology for both commercial and military purposes. The successful launch today paves the way for future missions and further advancements in satellite communications and space exploration.