SpaceX sends more satellites into low-Earth orbit
SpaceX marked another milestone in its ambitious Starlink project with the successful launch of the Starlink 12-25 mission on March 18, 2025. The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40, with a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions reported by the 45th Weather Squadron. This mission saw the deployment of 23 satellites, which will contribute to expanding internet access in underserved regions around the world. The Falcon 9's first-stage booster, B1077, has now completed its 19th mission, showcasing SpaceX's commitment to reusability and efficiency in space travel. After stage separation, the booster will successfully land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Dr. Jonathan McDowell, an expert from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, noted that the Starlink constellation now includes over 7,100 satellites, with 6,428 operational. The ongoing expansion of the Starlink network is critical for providing reliable internet service globally. As SpaceX continues to launch new satellites, the implications for global connectivity and communication remain significant.