In an impressive display of aerospace technology, SpaceX successfully launched yet another batch of its groundbreaking Starlink internet satellites from California today, May 16!

The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a payload of 26 Starlink satellites, lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 9:43 a.m. EDT (1343 GMT; 6:43 a.m. local California time) amidst the iconic fog of the Golden State's central coast.

Just over eight minutes into the mission, the Falcon 9's first stage performed a flawless return, landing on the SpaceX drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This marked a historic second liftoff and landing for this particular booster, which has previously completed a Starlink mission.

Meanwhile, the rocket's upper stage continued its journey, successfully deploying the 26 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) exactly 62.5 minutes after takeoff.

This launch stands as the 59th flight of the Falcon 9 rocket in 2025 alone, with an impressive 42 missions dedicated to expanding the Starlink network—now recognized as the largest satellite constellation ever created.

As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space technology, the Starlink project aims to deliver high-speed internet access globally, transforming connectivity for millions.