SpaceX successfully launched its **Starlink 12-7 mission** on Monday, sending 21 V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. Among these was a notable group of 13 satellites featuring **Direct to Cell capabilities**, enhancing their connectivity and coverage for users in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at **5:05 p.m. EST (2205 UTC)** from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a 45th Weather Squadron forecast predicting an **80% chance of favorable weather** for the mission, citing only a “small chance of a Cumulus Cloud Rule violation.”
The booster, previously used in its 26th flight, landed safely on SpaceX’s droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas,” marking its **96th landing** since 2014.
In January 2025, SpaceX aims to launch **up to two additional missions**, bringing its total for the month to four. Last year, it launched **10 times in January 2024** and **seven times in January 2023**, with its most active month being November when it launched **16 times** using Falcon rockets.
SpaceX has now **launched 134 orbital missions in 2024**, including two Falcon Heavy flights, and aims for between **160 and 180 launches in 2025**. With plans to increase its monthly launch rate to **13-15 per month**, the company continues to solidify its position as a leader in satellite technology and space exploration.
Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/01/27/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-21-starlink-satellites-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-cape-canaveral-7