VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — SpaceX launched 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit Saturday morning from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking another milestone in the company’s effort to expand global broadband access.
- The Nexstar Media video above explains Starlink satellites
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East as scheduled, with viewers able to watch the event live via webcast on X (@SpaceX).
This mission marked the 20th flight for the Falcon 9’s first stage booster — a testament to SpaceX’s continued success with reusable rocket technology. The veteran booster had previously supported missions including SDA-0A, SARah-2, Transporter-11, and 16 prior Starlink launches.
(Image from SpaceX livestream)
Following stage separation, the booster successfully landed on the autonomous droneship “Of Course I Still Love You”, stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Some residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties may have heard sonic booms during the launch — a result of the returning rocket booster. The booms are dependent on atmospheric conditions and the rocket’s flight path.
The Starlink satellite network is SpaceX’s initiative to provide high-speed, low-latency internet across the globe, particularly in rural and remote areas. With thousands of satellites already in orbit, the network is continually growing through regular launches like Saturday’s.
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