Falcon 9 launches 27 Starlink V2 Mini satellites
The launch took place from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, with liftoff at 6:47 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (9:47 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time / 01:47 UTC).
The rocket carried 27 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, marking the 81st Starlink mission of the year for SpaceX.
This flight highlights the company’s rapid launch cadence and its ongoing effort to expand the Starlink broadband constellation, which aims to provide global internet coverage.
The V2 Mini satellites feature upgraded antennas and a more efficient propulsion system compared with earlier versions, allowing for better performance and longer operational life.
After stage separation, the upper stage deployed the satellites into a low Earth orbit, where they will raise to their operational altitude. Tracking stations confirmed successful orbit insertion.
SpaceX intends to continue launching Starlink batches to increase network capacity and lower latency for users worldwide, especially in underserved regions.