In yet another thrilling chapter of SpaceX's mission to revolutionize global internet access, the company successfully launched a new batch of 21 Starlink broadband satellites on Wednesday night, March 12, from Florida's iconic Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off precisely at 10:35 p.m. EDT (02:35 GMT March 13), marking a significant leap forward in SpaceX's efforts to expand its satellite internet service. Among the newly deployed satellites, 13 are equipped with advanced direct-to-cell technology, potentially allowing for more efficient connectivity even in remote areas.

In a spectacular display of engineering excellence, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket returned to Earth just 8.5 minutes after liftoff, executing a flawless landing on the SpaceX drone ship named "A Shortfall of Gravitas." This marked the 22nd launch and successful recovery of this specific booster, showcasing SpaceX's commitment to reusability and cost-effectiveness in space missions.

The rocket's upper stage performed its duties impeccably, deploying all 21 Starlink satellites into their designated low Earth orbit (LEO) with precision. This launch pushes SpaceX’s total number of Starlink satellites to nearly 8,100, with more than 7,000 currently operational as reported by renowned astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell – a testament to the rapid growth of this ambitious satellite constellation.

As of now, SpaceX has conducted 28 Falcon 9 launches in 2025 alone, with 20 of those dedicated to bolstering the Starlink network. The pace of these missions underlines the pressing demand for reliable internet, especially in underserved regions around the globe.

Interestingly, the success of this launch was part of an ambitious doubleheader on the Space Coast. SpaceX initially aimed to launch the Crew-10 astronaut mission for NASA from the nearby Kennedy Space Center on the same night. However, that launch had to be aborted due to a technical issue with ground equipment, underscoring the complexities involved in space missions.

This latest achievement not only enriches SpaceX's operational capacity but also reaffirms its integral role in shaping the future of internet accessibility worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates as SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology!