Blastoff! SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites From California, Nails Landing

Why It Matters

Each successful launch and booster recovery accelerates Starlink’s network growth and demonstrates reusable launch economics, reshaping the satellite communications market.

Key Takeaways

• Falcon 9 successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California.
• All mission milestones reported nominal, including chamber pressures and telemetry.
• First-stage booster executed precise landing after controlled entry burn.
• Fairing separation and stage separation confirmed without any anomalies.
• Launch reinforces SpaceX’s rapid deployment schedule for Starlink constellation.

Summary

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from California, deploying 24 Starlink internet‑capacity satellites in a routine mission aimed at expanding the company’s low‑earth‑orbit broadband network.

All telemetry remained nominal throughout ascent: chamber pressures, power systems, and guidance performed within expected parameters. The vehicle executed stage separation, fairing jettison and a successful first‑stage entry burn, followed by a controlled landing burn that placed the booster back on the drone ship.

Mission control’s live commentary highlighted the sequence—“Go SpaceX. Go Star Trek”—and confirmed each milestone with repeated “thank you” acknowledgments. The landing leg deployment and touchdown were verified, marking another flawless recovery for the reusable booster.

The launch underscores SpaceX’s ability to rapidly replenish the Starlink constellation while maintaining a high reuse rate, bolstering its competitive edge in global satellite broadband and reducing launch costs for future customers.

Original Description

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 24 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Feb. 11, 2026.

Credit: SpaceX