SpaceX continues its remarkable streak of setting new records.
On October 25, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying 28 Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch occurred at 10:20 a.m. EDT (1420 GMT; 7:20 a.m. local time).
SpaceX has successfully executed its 135th orbital launch of the year, establishing a new operational benchmark that surpasses a previous record the company itself had set earlier in 2024.
This year, every orbital mission launched by SpaceX has been carried out by its Falcon 9 rocket. Demonstrating an astonishing operational tempo, the Falcon 9 has, in just the past 11 months, completed as many flights as NASA’s Space Shuttle program did throughout its entire 30-year history.
SpaceX has notably conducted five suborbital test flights of its colossal Starship megarocket to date this year. This activity follows a remarkably busy 2024, during which the company successfully launched 132 Falcon 9 missions, executed two powerful Falcon Heavy flights, and completed four suborbital tests of its next-generation Starship vehicle.
Today, a Falcon 9 booster successfully executed its planned return to Earth, making a pinpoint landing at sea aboard the autonomous drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You.” The booster touched down in the Pacific Ocean approximately eight-and-a-half minutes after liftoff.
This remarkable achievement marks the 19th successful launch and recovery for this specific rocket, designated B1081, further underscoring the advanced reusability capabilities of SpaceX’s fleet.
Concurrently, the Falcon 9’s upper stage steadfastly propelled its payload of 28 Starlink satellites toward Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Deployment of these spacecraft was slated to occur approximately one hour after the initial liftoff.
In a remarkable stretch of operations over the past week, SpaceX has successfully marked several pivotal milestones, further solidifying its position in the commercial space sector. Among these achievements was the launch of the 10,000th satellite for its burgeoning Starlink internet constellation. Additionally, the company’s reusable Falcon 9 booster, specifically designated 1067, made history by completing its 31st flight, setting a new record for reusability.
On October 23, the launch of the Spainsat NG-2 satellite propelled SpaceX to a new annual record, marking the company’s 139th liftoff of the year.
