Despite previous arduous experiences, SpaceX has climbed another big step in its ambitious Starlink program by successfully launching 26 internet satellites from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday evening, June 16, 2025. The mission lifted off at 8:36 P.M. PDT and represents the latest addition to what has become the world’s largest satellite internet constellation.

Record-Breaking Launch Frequency

The Monday night launch marked SpaceX’s continued aggressive launch schedule in 2025, with the company having now completed 72 Falcon 9 missions this year alone. Of these launches, 54 have been dedicated to expanding the Starlink network. This really tells you about the company’s focus on rapidly building out its global internet infrastructure.

The mission put to use the Falcon 9 booster B1093, which was making only its third flight. The rocket’s first stage successfully landed on the independent drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This further enhances SpaceX’s impressive booster recovery record.

Historic 500th Mission

Just days before the California launch, SpaceX achieved a big milestone when its Falcon rocket family completed its 500th overall mission on Thursday, June 12. That mission also launched 26 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg and featured booster B1081 on its record-tying 15th flight.

“Falcon completes its 500th overall mission! Congratulations to the entire SpaceX team for making the impossible possible on the road to rapidly reusable rockets!”

SpaceX announced on social media after the historic launch.

The achievement tells you about the success of SpaceX’s reusable rocket program which has literally revolutionized spaceflight economics. The company’s current record for reusing a Falcon 9 first stage stands at an impressive 28 launches with numerous boosters approaching that milestone.

Rapid Growth

The latest launches have brought the total number of active Starlink satellites to more than 7,760 units, making it by far the largest satellite constellation ever deployed. According to tracking data, SpaceX has launched 8,884 total Starlink satellites as of mid-June 202,5, though not all remain operational due to planned deorbiting and (occasional) failures.

The satellites launched Monday were designated as Group 15-9 and reached low Earth orbit around eight and a half minutes after liftoff. They were deployed about an hour into the mission following a second burn of the Falcon 9’s upper stage.

Direct-to-Cell Capability Milestone

Friday’s launch from Florida (June 13) marked a rather huge achievement for SpaceX’s Starlink program. That mission (designated 12-26) included the final satellites needed to complete SpaceX’s first-generation direct-to-cell constellation.

“Working with cellular providers around the world, direct to cell enables unmodified cellphones to have connectivity in the most remote areas,”

SpaceX explained in a company social media post observing the milestone. I think this capability screams a major step toward providing global internet access, and that too, particularly in underserved regions where traditional cellular infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.

Until today, SpaceX has launched 661 direct-to-cell Starlink satellites, with 273 of them deployed in 2025 alone.

Launch Rhythm and Future Plans

SpaceX’s 2025 launch schedule shows you the company’s operational maturity and manufacturing capacity. The company has maintained an average of more than one launch per week. This is a speed that would have been hard to believe just a few years ago. This quick flow owes credit to the company’s considerable fleet of reusable boosters and modernized operations.

The Falcon 9 family has now completed 502 missions as of June 17, 2025, with 499 full mission successes. To be honest, they’ve maintained an exceptional reliability record that has made Falcon 9 the workhorse of the commercial space industry.

Wider Impact on the Space Industry

The success of SpaceX’s Starlink program extends beyond just internet connectivity. The massive constellation has put in front of our eyes the viability of large scale satellite networks and has ignited competition from other companies, including Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The revenue that comes from Starlink operations also helps fund SpaceX’s other ambitious projects like the development of the Starship rocket system for lunar and Mars missions.

Industry analysts estimate that Starlink revenue could reach $11.8 billion in 2025. This can provide SpaceX with more than enough funding for continued expansion and development of new capabilities.

Free Marketing

Monday’s launch gave a spectacular viewing opportunity for residents across Southern California. The Falcon 9 rocket’s trajectory left a visible streak pattern across the evening sky and many people shared photos and videos of the launch on social media. This visibility has become a regular feature of West Coast launches, contributing to public interest in space activities. If you think about it, it’s basically free marketing.

In Conclusion

SpaceX shows no signs of slowing its launch speed with multiple Starlink missions planned throughout what’s left of 2025. The company’s long-term goal is to deploy over 40,000 satellites to provide global broadband coverage (although regulatory approval for such a massive constellation remains under review).

The success of recent missions, combined with the 500th Falcon milestone, positions SpaceX to maintain its commercial launch dominance while rapidly expanding satellite internet service globally. Each successful mission brings the company closer to its ultimate goals of making space more accessible and providing high-speed internet connectivity to every corner of the globe.