VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — SpaceX successfully launched 24 satellites for its Starlink broadband service on Friday evening, marking yet another milestone in the company’s rapid expansion of its satellite constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at 9:59 p.m. PDT, or 12:59 a.m. EDT on Saturday.

This mission, designated Starlink 17-7, was the last of four Starlink launches for August from California. The launch was part of a busy schedule for SpaceX, which is on track for a record year of orbital missions.

The Falcon 9 was propelled into orbit by its first stage booster, known as B1082, which completed its 15th flight during this mission. This booster has been instrumental in various launches, including national security payloads and multiple batches of Starlink satellites, showcasing SpaceX’s dedication to reusability in spaceflight.

Approximately eight and a half minutes after the rocket’s ascent, booster B1082 successfully touched down on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You.” This achievement marked the 147th landing for that particular vessel and the 496th landing overall for SpaceX’s rocket boosters.

With the completion of this mission, SpaceX has launched a total of 27 Starlink missions from Vandenberg in 2025, contributing to a total of 39 Falcon 9 launches this year. Overall, the company has aimed for 170 launches by the end of the year, significantly boosting its operational capabilities.

SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its Starlink constellation have allowed the company to extend its service to an increasing number of countries worldwide. As of now, there are over 8,200 Starlink satellites actively in orbit, according to tracking data from astronomer Jonathan McDowell.

The growth of the Starlink network reflects SpaceX’s commitment to providing global broadband access, particularly in underserved areas. The company continues to enhance its technology and infrastructure, setting the stage for more aggressive deployment in the future.