SpaceX Boosts Global Internet with 24 New Starlink Satellites

SpaceX added 24 more Starlink satellites to its growing internet network. A Falcon 9 rocket launched at 1:05 a.m. EDT (0505 GMT or 10:05 p.m. PDT on August 13) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. About nine minutes later, after a smooth ascent, the Starlink Group 17-4 mission reached orbit. These regular launches are part of SpaceX’s plan to provide satellite internet across the world.

Successful Rocket Performance

The SpaceX website confirmed that the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster (B1093) worked perfectly on its fifth flight, landing safely on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. Every flight of booster B1093 has helped expand SpaceX’s Starlink network. After the stages separated, the rocket’s upper stage, powered by a single Merlin engine, reached its orbit and prepared to release the 24 satellites about one hour after launch. This launch was SpaceX’s 98th Falcon 9 mission in 2025 and the 516th Falcon 9 flight since 2010. It was also the 452nd time a Falcon 9 first stage was reused and the company’s 487th booster landing.

Expanding the Starlink Network

After this launch, SpaceX has over 8,100 active Starlink satellites in orbit, out of almost 9,400 that have been launched since 2018. The network aims to bring affordable broadband to people everywhere, especially in hard-to-reach or underserved areas. Starlink already provides service in about 130 countries and territories, and SpaceX hopes to launch around 12,000 satellites, with a possible increase later, to cover the entire globe.

Upcoming Missions

The next mission, Starlink 17-5, was planned for August 15 to send another 24 satellites into orbit, continuing SpaceX’s effort to expand its global internet network.