SpaceX Falcon 9 Successfully Launches 28 Starlink Satellites to Orbit From Florida

On Tuesday night (May 6), SpaceX advanced its swift Starlink deployment efforts by sending 28 additional internet satellites into orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The actual launch occurred at 9:17 p.m. EDT (0117 GMT on May 7) from Launch Complex-40 signifies the firm’s 53rd Falcon 9 launch of 2025 and the 36th dedicated Starlink mission for this year. The payload provides global internet access by contributing to SpaceX’s rapidly growing network of more than 7,200 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit.

According to a report, the reusable first-stage booster B1085 performed an ideal main engine shutdown approximately 2.5 minutes post-launch, followed by stage separation and a retrograde burn to halt its descent. Approximately eight minutes post-launch, B1085 achieved a successful landing on the autonomous drone ship located in the Atlantic Ocean. The mission marked the seventh flight for this specific booster, which had earlier aided two other Starlink missions.

The Falcon 9’s upper stage persisted in orbit and released the 28 Starlink satellites around one hour after liftoff. These recently deployed units will take a few days to modify their positions before becoming part of the larger Starlink network, which currently covers nearly all of the world except for the polar areas. Every satellite, small yet fitted with extensive solar panels, contributes to the larger network tasked with providing high-speed satellite internet. The May 6 launch showcases the speed at which SpaceX is advancing to achieve its broadband objectives. Besides Falcon 9 missions, the company has conducted two Starship test flights this year to showcase advancements in both satellite launching and heavy-lift abilities.