Experience the Latest SpaceX Launch: 26 Starlink Satellites Take Off from Vandenberg SFB on Falcon 9!

On May 12, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched a batch of new Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This mission, called Starlink 15-4, put 26 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites into low Earth orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:15 p.m. PDT (9:15 p.m. EDT, 0115 UTC).

Using the Falcon 9 first stage booster 1088, this flight was notable. Before this launch, it had already supported five missions, including a NASA observatory and various rideshare missions.

About eight minutes after launch, booster 1088 landed successfully on the droneship named ‘Of Course I Still Love You.’ This marks the 129th successful landing for that droneship and the 445th overall for SpaceX.

This launch was part of an active year for SpaceX, with 18 launches from California alone. The Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Force have permitted SpaceX up to 50 launches each year from this spot. Currently, they are averaging a launch every 7.3 days from the West Coast, while their East Coast launches happen roughly every 3.5 days.

Experts believe that Starlink’s continuous expansion will significantly change internet access globally. According to a recent survey by Pew Research, nearly 30% of Americans reported they rely primarily on their smartphones for online access, and satellite internet options can fill a crucial gap in rural areas. Starlink, with its growing network, could help bridge the digital divide, making high-speed internet more available to underserved communities.

As more satellites are deployed, user feedback continues to pour in. Many praise the service for its fast speeds and reliability, although some express concerns about the impact of satellite constellations on night skies. Social media is buzzing with opinions on both sides, reflecting strong interest and debate surrounding the project.

For more on the implications of space technology and satellite internet, check out [NASA’s resource](https://www.nasa.gov) on advancements in space technology.

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