SpaceX Dominates May with Multiple Starlink Launches, Eyes Record Year
May has been a busy month for SpaceX as they continue their rapid deployment of Starlink satellites. Just days after Cinco de Mayo, the Space Coast of Florida celebrated its 39th orbital rocket launch of the year with another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soaring into the night on May 6. This launch, carrying 28 Starlink internet-beaming satellites, further solidifies SpaceX's position as a leader in space activities.
The Falcon 9 lifted off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:17 p.m. Eastern Time. Following successful stage separation, the rocket's first-stage booster flawlessly landed on the SpaceX drone ship "Just Read the Instructions" in the Atlantic Ocean.
Notably, this Starlink 6-93 mission marked the booster’s seventh flight, having previously supported missions such as Crew-9, RRT-1, Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1, Fram2, and two other Starlink launches.Booster reusability is a core tenet of SpaceX's strategy, significantly reducing the cost of space access.
Adding to the flurry of activity, SpaceX launched its largest batch of Starlink V2 Mini satellites to date on May 4, 2025. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, carrying 29 of these optimized satellites. These new satellites are about 225 kg lighter than previous V2 Mini versions, improving payload capacity.
Meteorological conditions were a concern, with weather officers forecasting a 55 percent chance of favorable conditions due to anvil clouds, cumulus clouds and generally thick clouds. However, the launch proceeded successfully with the Falcon 9 first stage booster, tail number 1078, safely landing on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas." This marked the 107th landing on that specific droneship and the 441st booster landing overall.
More launches are on the horizon. SpaceX is targeting another Falcon 9 launch on May 10 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, within a 4.5-hour window stretching from 2:28 a.m. to 6:59 a.m.. Assuming this launch occurs, it will be the Space Coast's 40th orbital launch of the year. Last year, the Space Coast set a new record of 93 orbital launches, and SpaceX officials are seeking FAA approval to increase yearly Falcon rocket launches to 120, demonstrating the company's ambition and growing capabilities within the commercial space sector.
With such a rapid pace of launches, will SpaceX break its own record this year? What are your thoughts on the company's ambitious expansion plans? Join the discussion below!
Related issues news
What time is SpaceX launching today?
Original story: Rather than shortly after sunset, SpaceX crews are now targeting 9:17 p.m. for tonight's Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
When and where can I watch Rocket Launches from Florida?
All launches in Florida begin their journey on the launch pads of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station or Kennedy Space Center. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers the closest public viewing of launches, as well as launch commentary, bleacher seating and access to exhibits and attractions.
