California-based SpaceX successfully sends Falcon 9 rocket into the sky, transporting a fresh set of Starlink satellites. (Video available)
Starlink Constellation Grows with Latest Falcon 9 Launch
SpaceX's Starlink constellation expanded further on August 14, 2025, with the successful launch of 24 satellites from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission, named Starlink Group 17-4, marked the 98th Falcon 9 mission of the year and the 516th flight since 2010 for the space company.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 1:05 a.m. EDT (0505 GMT or 10:05 p.m. PDT on Aug. 13 local), carrying Starlink 11-11, Starlink 15-5, Starlink 15-9, and Starlink 15-2. According to astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who closely monitors and reports on satellite constellations, there are now approximately 8,094 Starlink satellites in orbit, with about 8,075 of them actively working.
The upper stage of the Falcon 9 was powered by a single Merlin engine and was on track to reach its planned orbit and deploy the satellites about an hour after it left Earth. The launch marked the 487th landing of a Falcon 9 first stage, with the booster (Booster 1093) completing its fifth flight. All of the booster's missions have been dedicated to growing SpaceX's megaconstellation.
The first stage of the Falcon 9 landed on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean, marking the 452nd reuse of a Falcon 9 first stage. This continuous reuse of rocket boosters is a key aspect of SpaceX's mission to make space travel more affordable and accessible.
The latest launch signifies a significant step in the growth of SpaceX's broadband internet service, Starlink. With the addition of these 24 satellites, the Starlink network continues to expand rapidly, fulfilling SpaceX's plans to deploy tens of thousands of satellites eventually. The average lifespan of a Starlink satellite is about five years, necessitating ongoing replenishment and growth of the constellation to maintain its functionality.
As of mid-August 2025, the Starlink constellation comprises just over 8,000 satellites in orbit, with nearly all of them operational according to Jonathan McDowell’s tracking data. The fleet size has grown significantly since earlier in 2025, reaching over 8,000 active satellites by August, making Starlink the largest active satellite constellation globally.
[1] Data sourced from Jonathan McDowell, a respected astronomer who closely monitors and reports on satellite constellations, including Starlink.
[1] The successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites on August 14, 2025, has featured prominently in the latest space and astronomy news, showcasing the ongoing growth of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
[2] The booming growth of Starlink, with over 8,000 active satellites in orbit by mid-August 2025, marks an intriguing development in technology, making space travel more accessible and furthering the progress of satellite-based broadband internet services.
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