SpaceX Falcon 9 launches 29 Starlink satellites and lands near the Bahamas

A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Thursday evening, placing 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch took place at 8:41 p.m. Eastern Time from Space Launch Complex 40. The mission added another group of broadband satellites to the growing Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX. After stage separation, the first stage booster completed a controlled descent and landed on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, positioned in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of The Bahamas. Satellite deployment was later confirmed. The flight marked another reuse milestone for the booster, which has supported multiple government and commercial missions before this Starlink launch.

SpaceX Falcon 9 delivers 29 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit

The first stage used for this mission has now flown 26 times. Its previous work includes Crew 5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6 F2, CRS 28, Intelsat G37, NG 20, and TD7, along with earlier Starlink missions.

Following separation from the upper stage, the booster returned to Earth and touched down on the droneship stationed east of Florida. It was the second time a Falcon 9 has landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship off the Bahamas.

Landing in this area provides additional flexibility during the winter months. Weather conditions in the Atlantic can affect recovery operations. By adjusting landing zones, the company maintains launch cadence and turnaround schedules.

Southeast trajectory increases payload performance

The mission launched on a southeast trajectory from Florida. This path allows the Falcon 9 to maximise performance when carrying heavier satellite batches in orbit. A more efficient trajectory means additional satellites can be transported on a single flight.

Low Earth orbit is still an important part of the Starlink internet network. The cluster is meant to provide internet access all over the world, especially in places with few ground-based facilities. Instead of one big expansion, each launch adds a small amount of capability.

Earlier in the week, another Falcon 9 launched 24 Starlink satellites from California, continuing the steady deployment rhythm.

Starlink constellation continues steady expansion

Starlink has grown through frequent launches from both Florida and California. Reusability plays a visible role in that pace. Boosters now regularly exceed twenty flights, reducing manufacturing demand and shortening preparation times.

The landing on Just Read the Instructions closed this mission without incident. Satellite deployment was confirmed soon after. Another addition to the constellation, then. Quiet, routine, almost procedural.