SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9 From California

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Halloween, placing 27 Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).

The first stage returned as planned. About 8.5 minutes after liftoff, it landed on the autonomous drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You", stationed in the Pacific Ocean. The upper stage also performed as intended and deployed all 27 satellites roughly 62 minutes after launch.

A veteran booster

This was the 18th flight for the booster, designated B1093. The reuse record still belongs to booster B1067, which has flown 37 times, a mark it reached in August.

The new satellites will join a constellation of more than 11,000 Starlink satellites, by a wide margin the largest satellite network ever assembled.

Launch cadence in 2026

The mission was the 118th Falcon 9 launch of 2026 so far. More than 70% of those flights were dedicated to expanding Starlink and strengthening its capabilities.

SpaceX has also flown Falcon Heavy and Starship three times each this year. Falcon Heavy is an operational vehicle, while Starship remains in its test-flight phase.

The company is now preparing another Starship launch, expected at some point in November.