SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches 28 Starlink Satellites From Florida, Nails Droneship Landing
SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink satellite network at breakneck speed. On Thursday night (May 1), a Falcon 9 rocket launched 28 new Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Liftoff occurred at 9:51 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex-40, marking yet another successful mission as part of SpaceX’s ongoing Starlink 6 series.
A Familiar Rocket, Another Smooth Landing
The first stage booster for this mission — B1080 — is no stranger to space. This launch marked its 18th flight and 12th Starlink mission. About eight minutes after liftoff, B1080 landed smoothly on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
This consistent reusability is central to SpaceX’s launch strategy. Each reused booster saves significant time and cost, making frequent satellite deployments more efficient.
Deployment of Starlink 6-75
Following main engine cutoff and stage separation, the rocket’s upper stage continued on to orbit, deploying the 28 satellites about one hour into the flight. The satellites will now spend several days adjusting their orbits before joining the active Starlink network, which now consists of more than 7,200 satellites.
The goal of Starlink? To provide high-speed, low-latency internet to even the most remote corners of the world—everywhere except the poles. Users simply point their Starlink dish toward the sky, and the satellite grid does the rest.
Why It Matters
This latest launch is part of SpaceX’s aggressive effort to blanket the planet with internet coverage. As more satellites come online, Starlink’s network becomes stronger, faster, and more reliable — especially in underserved or rural areas.
The May 1 mission is yet another demonstration of SpaceX’s dominance in the commercial launch industry. With frequent Starlink deployments, reusable rocket technology, and droneship landings that are nearly routine, SpaceX is showing no signs of slowing down.
Are you currently using Starlink or considering it? What are your thoughts on SpaceX’s growing satellite network? Share below.
More…
- https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starlink-6-75-b1080-ccsfs
- https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/when-to-watch-spacex-rocket-launch-in-miami-this-week-a-guide-22989276
- https://www.gadgets360.com/science/news/spacex-falcon-9-launches-28-starlink-satellites-nails-23rd-booster-landing-on-droneship-8257019
