SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit on August 22, 2025, marking its 102nd Falcon 9 launch of the year. The mission, which lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1:02 p.m. PDT, utilized the Falcon 9 booster B1081 for its 17th flight. This booster has a history of supporting significant missions, including NASA's PACE and the Crew-7 astronaut transport.
Demonstrating its commitment to reusability, the booster successfully landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship, achieving SpaceX's 489th booster landing overall. The addition of these 24 satellites significantly expands SpaceX's global internet constellation, bringing the total number of Starlink satellites launched in 2025 to over 1,800. The V2 Mini satellites are designed for greater deployment efficiency, with up to 29 units per launch. The Starlink network, now comprising over 8,100 active satellites, provides essential connectivity to millions worldwide, with projections indicating continued revenue growth and improved profit margins.
In parallel with its Starlink deployments, SpaceX is preparing for the tenth flight test of its Starship vehicle, scheduled for August 24, 2025. This critical test aims to further develop the capabilities of the fully integrated, approximately 403-foot-tall rocket. The upcoming mission will focus on expanding the Super Heavy booster's operational envelope through various landing burn tests, including experimental engine configurations and a hover test before an offshore splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Starship upper stage is also slated to undertake several in-space objectives. These include the deployment of eight Starlink simulators and an in-space engine relight test. These developmental flights are crucial for refining the vehicle's performance for future interplanetary missions, including SpaceX's long-term goal of Mars colonization. The company's high launch cadence, with over 70% of its 102 Falcon 9 missions in 2025 dedicated to Starlink, underscores its strategic focus on global connectivity and space exploration.