SpaceX Launches 28 Starlink Satellites in Late-Night Florida Liftoff, Expanding Internet Megaconstellation CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. — SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink internet satellites into orbit late Saturday, April 5, continuing its rapid expansion of the world’s largest satellite network. A Falcon 9 rocket roared to life at 10:40 p.m. EDT (0240 UTC Sunday) from Launch Complex 40 here, carrying 28 upgraded Starlink V2 Mini satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO).
Mission Highlights The flight, designated Starlink 6-72, marked the 19th launch of booster B1078, a veteran of high-profile missions including NASA’s Crew-6 astronaut flight and the USSF-124 national security launch. Eight minutes after liftoff, the first stage executed a precision landing on the droneship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean—SpaceX’s 427th successful booster recovery to date.
The satellites deployed from the rocket’s upper stage approximately 65 minutes after launch, joining over 7,100 operational Starlink spacecraft already in orbit. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist and satellite tracker, confirmed the constellation’s growth to 7,135 satellites as of late March, with most functioning as intended.
Technical and Operational Context
- Satellite Upgrades: The V2 Mini satellites, weighing ~800 kg each, feature improved bandwidth and laser inter-satellite links for faster global coverage.
- Launch Tempo: This was SpaceX’s 26th Starlink launch of 2025, part of its plan to deploy tens of thousands of satellites for near-global internet access.
- Weather Conditions: Liftoff occurred under clear skies despite strong winds, with meteorologists earlier reporting a 95% chance of acceptable weather.
Global Impact and Challenges The launch underscores SpaceX’s dominance in satellite deployment but intensifies concerns among astronomers about light pollution and collision risks. The satellites orbit at ~342 miles (550 km), frequently appearing as bright “trains” in night skies and disrupting astronomical observations.
Public Engagement Live coverage by Spaceflight Now and YouTube streams drew thousands of viewers, with spectators along Florida’s coast sharing footage of the rocket’s fiery ascent and booster landing. Social media buzzed with real-time updates, reflecting public fascination with SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology.
Looking Ahead SpaceX continues to target 42,000 satellites for its megaconstellation, leveraging frequent Falcon 9 launches and future Starship flights to accelerate deployment. Meanwhile, regulatory debates persist about orbital congestion and atmospheric pollution from satellite debris.
The flawless April 5 mission reinforces SpaceX’s capability to launch at an industry-leading pace while advancing global connectivity—a dual-edge achievement reshaping both telecommunications and space sustainability efforts.