SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Saturday morning. The rocket carried 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch took place at 11:06 a.m. PDT (2:06 p.m. EDT) from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E).
Static fire complete for the Super Heavy booster preparing for Starship's eleventh flight test pic.twitter.com/1qkypMOd7I
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 7, 2025
Watch Falcon 9 launch the Nusantara Lima mission to orbit https://t.co/sKP1ZQcczA
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 6, 2025
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off and passed through a layer of fog before emerging into a clear blue sky. About 8 minutes and 40 seconds after launch, the rocket entered the blackness of space. The 24 Starlink satellites were deployed approximately 53 minutes later.
This mission was SpaceX’s 112th Falcon 9 flight of the year and its 530th overall since 2010.
I've been reflecting on the Starship program the last week and one thing has become obvious to me. SpaceX is enjoying the freedom to try and fail in a way they couldn't with Falcon 9.
Doing anything "experimental" on the Falcon 9 was risky because it was SpaceX's only source of…
— Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) September 5, 2025
The first stage of the Falcon 9, known as booster 1075, successfully landed on a sea-based platform in the Pacific Ocean. This was the 20th successful landing for this particular booster.
Expanding Starlink megaconstellation globally
The droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” was used for the landing. The successful deployment of the 24 Starlink satellites expanded SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation.
The constellation is designed to provide global internet coverage. This mission added to the nearly 9,000 satellites already in orbit. The satellites are aimed at delivering broadband internet service to underserved areas worldwide.
The September 6 launch followed another Starlink mission just 24 hours earlier. This dual-launch effort demonstrates SpaceX’s commitment to expanding global internet access through its growing Starlink network. The mission also celebrated a milestone as the 100th Falcon 9 launch of the year.
This further cements SpaceX’s position as a leader in commercial spaceflight and satellite deployment.
