SpaceX’s Busy Day: Starlink Launch and Starship Test Flight
SpaceX continues its relentless pace of space exploration with another successful Starlink satellite launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on May 27. This launch marks a significant step as it deploys a new group of Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). But the day doesn't end there; the company is also gearing up for the ninth-ever test flight of its Starship megarocket.
The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 24 Starlink satellites, lifted off at 12:57 p.m. EDT (1657 GMT; 9:57 a.m. local time). This mission, designated Starlink 17-1, represents the beginning of a new orbital inclination group for the constellation. The mission aimed to send broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit at a 97-degree inclination.
The Falcon 9 booster, tail number B1082, achieved its 13th flight with this mission. Following stage separation, the booster executed a deceleration burn and successfully landed on the droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You' in the Pacific Ocean. This marks the 132nd landing on this vessel and the 452nd booster landing to date, showcasing SpaceX's impressive reusability program.
Notably, SpaceX rarely launches Starlink satellites into a polar orbit, with only five previous missions achieving this inclination since 2021. Sending Starlink satellites into a 97.6 degree inclination allows SpaceX to provide coverage to areas not easily reached by traditional equatorial orbits.
The Starlink network is comprised of over 7,000 operational satellites, providing high-speed internet access globally, excluding the poles. SpaceX continues to expand this constellation, offering connectivity to users who can point their Starlink receiver towards the sky.
Today’s launch was a remarkable testament to SpaceX's capabilities, marking their 63rd Falcon 9 mission of 2025 and 63rd liftoff so far this year. But what makes today even more significant? Following the Starlink launch, SpaceX is poised to conduct the ninth flight test of its ambitious Starship megarocket, an event eagerly anticipated by space enthusiasts worldwide.
With the Starlink deployment a success and Starship’s test flight on the horizon, SpaceX is pushing the boundaries of space technology and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. What are your thoughts on SpaceX's rapid pace of innovation and its impact on the future of space exploration? Share your comments below!
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Where can I watch SpaceX launch?
The webcast is available on its website and on social media platform X. Coverage will also be available on SpaceX's new X TV app.
Where does SpaceX launch from?
SpaceX has scheduled the unmanned ninth test flight of Starship for Tuesday from SpaceX's Starbase facility near Brownsville, Texas, with a launch window opening at 7:30 p.m. ET. SpaceX Starship Flight 8 launches from Orbital Launch Pad A at Boca Chica beach, March 6, 2025, in Boca Chica Beach, Texas.
What time is SpaceX launching?
SpaceX is targeting 7:30 p.m. EDT (2330 GMT) for the 9th Starship test flight. A lot of eyes will be looking at SpaceX today. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk will provide an update on his company's vision to make humanity a multiplanetary species, followed by Starship's ninth test flight.
When did Falcon 9 launch?
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off on the Starlink 12-22 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at 1:19 p.m. EDT (1719 UTC).
