In a steady march toward global internet coverage, SpaceX launched 26 more Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit late Sunday night, continuing its rapid expansion of the world’s largest broadband constellation, reported by NDTV.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 8:36 p.m. PDT (11:36 p.m. EDT, or 0336 GMT, June 17) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Just over eight minutes later, the rocket’s first stage, designated B1093, touched down smoothly on the Pacific-based droneship Of Course I Still Love You, completing its third successful mission.
The satellites belong to the Starlink Group 15-9 and are expected to be deployed after a second upper-stage engine burn roughly an hour into the flight, according to a SpaceX mission update.
This launch comes on the heels of a June 13 mission from Cape Canaveral, which deployed the final batch of first-generation Starlink satellites equipped for direct-to-cell communication—marking a significant milestone in extending cellular connectivity to even the most remote parts of the globe.
While the June 16 flight did not carry direct-to-cell payloads, it bolstered the core Starlink constellation, which now boasts over 7,760 operational satellites. With this robust infrastructure, SpaceX is steadily improving service quality, coverage, and latency across underserved regions.
Starlink remains central to Elon Musk’s vision of a globally connected planet. Reusable boosters and bi-coastal launch capabilities allow SpaceX to maintain a relentless pace, adapting swiftly between missions while keeping costs down.
As the constellation grows denser, future launches may feature advanced satellites that support both broadband internet and mobile connectivity—bringing the dream of seamless, borderless communication closer to reality.
