SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites To Orbit From California
SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink broadband satellites into orbit from California on Saturday, Aug. 8, adding 24 spacecraft to the company’s growing satellite network.
A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on California’s central coast at 12:35 p.m. EDT, or 1635 GMT and 9:35 a.m. local time. The mission carried the 24 Starlink satellites towards low Earth orbit.
The launch marked the 92nd Falcon 9 liftoff of 2026. It was also the 71st Falcon 9 mission of the year dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation.
Falcon 9 Booster Completes 16th Flight
The Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth about 8.5 minutes after liftoff, as planned.
The booster landed on the SpaceX droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean. The stage, designated B1093, completed its 16th flight with the mission.
B1093 had most recently flown on July 14. During that mission, it launched 27 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg.
The repeated use of the booster highlights Falcon 9’s role in SpaceX’s frequent launch schedule. The first stage can return after launch and fly again on subsequent missions.
24 Starlink Satellites Reach Orbit
While the first stage returned to Earth, the Falcon 9’s upper stage continued towards low Earth orbit with its 24-satellite payload.
The upper stage deployed all 24 Starlink satellites about 61 minutes after liftoff, as planned.
The spacecraft will join Starlink, which has become the largest satellite network in orbit. The constellation currently includes more than 10,900 active satellites and continues to expand through regular launches.
Starlink is designed to provide broadband internet services using satellites operating in low Earth orbit.
SpaceX Expands Starlink Network
Saturday’s mission was another step in SpaceX’s continuing effort to build out the Starlink megaconstellation.
The company has been using Falcon 9 missions to deploy large groups of Starlink satellites into orbit. The frequent launches also contribute significantly to the rocket’s overall flight count.
The mission was the 92nd Falcon 9 launch of 2026, demonstrating the high launch cadence SpaceX has maintained this year.
For B1093, the successful landing added another completed flight to a booster that has already supported multiple missions. Its 16th flight further illustrates the role of reusable hardware in SpaceX’s launch operations.
As Starlink continues to grow, additional Falcon 9 missions are expected to add more spacecraft to the orbital network.
With inputs from Reuters