SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink internet satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Station in southern California on Saturday, February 22. The rocket lifted off at 8:38 p.m. EST and successfully deployed the Starlink spacecraft to low Earth orbit.
The first stage of the rocket returned to Earth about eight minutes after liftoff, landing safely on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean. This was the booster’s 11th launch and 8th Starlink mission.
The upper stage of the rocket continued to carry the Starlink satellites to their final destination in LEO, where they were deployed approximately 62 minutes after liftoff. The launch marks SpaceX’s 23rd Falcon 9 mission in 2025, with 17 of those being Starlink flights.
SpaceX has now launched over 7,000 operational Starlink spacecraft, part of the largest megaconstellation ever assembled. This milestone is a testament to the company’s growing presence in the satellite industry and its commitment to providing global internet connectivity.
The launch comes as SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and development. With numerous upcoming missions planned, including moon missions and space tourism launches, SpaceX remains at the forefront of the private space industry.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launches-22-starlink-internet-satellites-from-california