Rocket Launch Today: SpaceX Falcon 9 Successfully Deploys 28 Starlink Satellites
Today’s SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Highlights
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket today from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, successfully deploying 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. The mission, designated Starlink 10-26, marked:
SpaceX’s 91st launch of 2024
The 22nd flight of booster B1078
The 508th Falcon 9 launch overall
Liftoff occurred at 5:01 AM ET (09:01 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). The first stage successfully landed on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic Ocean.
Key Moments from Today’s Rocket Launch
1. Countdown & Liftoff
T-35 minutes: Falcon 9 fueling began with RP-1 (rocket-grade kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
T-7 minutes: Engine chill sequence initiated to prevent thermal shock.
T-1 minute: Flight computers took control of the countdown.
Liftoff at 5:01 AM ET, with the rocket ascending into a northeast trajectory.
2. Stage Separation & Fairing Deployment
~2:25 minutes: First stage engines cut off (MECO).
~2:30 minutes: Stage separation, followed by second-stage ignition.
~3 minutes: Payload fairings jettisoned, revealing the Starlink satellites.
3. Booster Landing & Satellite Deployment
~8 minutes: First stage completed its entry burn and landed on the drone ship.
~15 minutes: The Second stage deployed the 28 Starlink satellites at 172 miles (277 km) altitude.
Why This Launch Matters
On this day in 1950: first rocket launch today at Cape Canaveral took place.
Today, Starship is more than six times taller. pic.twitter.com/n2pTyY9tQw
— Jon Erlichman (@JonErlichman) July 24, 2025
1. Expanding Starlink’s Constellation
Today’s launch added 28 more Starlink V2 Mini satellites to SpaceX’s growing internet mega-constellation, now exceeding 8,000 satellites in orbit.
2. Reusability Milestone
Booster B1078 completed its 22nd flight, demonstrating SpaceX’s progress toward 40-flight certification for Falcon 9 boosters.
3. Busy Year for SpaceX
This was SpaceX’s 91st launch in 2024, keeping pace for 150+ launches this year.
What’s Next in Spaceflight?
Upcoming SpaceX Launches
Tonight (July 27): Another Falcon 9 Starlink mission (Starlink 17-2) from Vandenberg SFB at 11:55 PM ET (03:55 UTC).
July 31: Crew-11 mission to the ISS from Kennedy Space Center.
How to Watch Future Launches
Live streams: Available on SpaceX’s X account and Spaceflight Now.
Next Starlink launch: July 29 (Starlink 10-29) from Cape Canaveral.
Final Thoughts
Today’s rocket launch today was another smooth success for SpaceX, reinforcing its dominance in reusable rocket technology and global satellite internet coverage. With multiple launches scheduled this week, spaceflight fans have plenty to look forward to!
Did you watch today’s launch? Let us know in the comments!
