Vandenberg (US), Aug 14: SpaceX successfully launched 24 more Starlink satellites into orbit early Thursday, continuing its rapid buildout of the global broadband network.

A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 1:05 a.m. EDT (0505 GMT; 10:05 p.m. PDT, Aug 13 local time) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission, designated Starlink Group 17-4, marked yet another step in the company’s effort to provide worldwide internet coverage. About nine minutes after launch, the first-stage booster separated and landed upright on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

According to SpaceX, the booster used for this mission, B1093, completed its fifth flight — all dedicated to Starlink deployments. The upper stage’s Merlin engine then carried the payload into its target orbit, with deployment of all 24 satellites expected roughly an hour after liftoff.

The launch was SpaceX’s 98th Falcon 9 mission in 2025 and the 516th Falcon 9 flight overall since 2010. It also marked the 452nd reuse of a Falcon 9 booster and the company’s 487th booster landing, underscoring SpaceX’s push for reusable rocketry.

With this launch, the number of active Starlink satellites in orbit has risen to over 8,100, out of nearly 9,400 launched since 2018. Starlink currently provides internet service in around 130 countries and territories, targeting underserved or remote regions where traditional infrastructure is limited.

SpaceX ultimately plans to deploy about 12,000 satellites, with regulatory approval sought for as many as 30,000 more in the future. The next Starlink mission, Group 17-5, is scheduled for August 15 and will carry another 24 satellites into orbit.