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SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 From Vandenberg to Add 24 Starlink Satellites

A successful flight with a recovered first stage underscores SpaceX’s rapid buildup of its low‑Earth‑orbit broadband network.

Overview

  • SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sunday, June 28, placing 24 Starlink v2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit.
  • The first stage, booster B1088 on its 17th flight, touched down on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You about eight minutes after liftoff.
  • Tracker Jonathan McDowell says the new satellites push the Starlink constellation past roughly 10,700 active craft.
  • The mission lifted from Space Launch Complex 4E on a south‑southwesterly trajectory that reduces daylight visibility in Arizona, SpaceX streamed the launch, and the FAA listed a next‑day backup window.
  • The flight continues SpaceX’s high launch tempo for 2026 and illustrates how frequent booster reuse and drone‑ship recoveries support rapid mass deployment of commercial broadband satellites.