SpaceX has set another remarkable milestone with the Falcon 9 rocket, achieving its 28th launch and adding 28 Starlink satellites to orbit. This latest launch breaks records, as the reusable Falcon 9 rocket booster has now completed its 28th successful flight.
It was early in the morning on May 13, 2025, when the Falcon 9 rocket roared to life at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch, which took place at 1:02 a.m. EDT (0502 GMT), marked a significant achievement for SpaceX, further pushing the boundaries of reusable rocket technology. This time, the rocket carried 28 Starlink satellites to join the growing constellation of SpaceX’s low Earth orbit internet network.
A Quiet Record-Breaking Launch
SpaceX has become synonymous with frequent launches, but this particular one flew under the radar, despite its groundbreaking nature. The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, designated B1067, set an impressive new record, completing its 28th mission. Just a month prior, on April 13, 2025, Booster B1067 completed its 27th mission, and now it has added another successful launch to its record.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the rapid pace of reusability. Just eight minutes after launch, Booster B1067 successfully landed on SpaceX’s drone ship “Just Read the Instructions,” positioned in the Atlantic Ocean. This marks the 28th landing for the booster, proving the remarkable reliability and efficiency of SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology.
But it wasn’t just the booster’s reuse that made history. The mission itself was a significant step for SpaceX’s Starlink program. The Falcon 9 rocket successfully deployed 28 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, contributing further to SpaceX’s vision of a global satellite network that provides high-speed internet access to underserved regions.
The Race to Starlink’s Expansion
Each launch like this brings SpaceX one step closer to its goal of launching thousands of satellites into space. With 28 new Starlink satellites now in orbit, the total number of Starlink satellites in space continues to climb, edging closer to the company’s target of 12,000 operational satellites.
The Starlink satellites are part of SpaceX’s broader plan to provide global internet coverage. The satellites will add additional coverage to the existing network, improving internet services, especially in remote and rural areas where access to traditional broadband is limited. It’s a network that could change the way people access the internet, even in some of the most isolated corners of the Earth.
And despite the increasing number of launches, SpaceX has shown no signs of slowing down. The pace of Starlink satellite launches has been accelerating, with Falcon 9 rocket launches becoming a regular event at Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
Looking Ahead to Future Milestones
With the 28th launch and successful landing of Falcon 9’s booster, SpaceX is steadily proving its technological superiority in the field of reusable rockets. CEO Elon Musk has long touted the potential of reusable rockets, and this achievement offers another glimpse into the future of space travel. It’s not just about reaching new heights—it’s about getting there faster, more efficiently, and with minimal cost.
SpaceX is set to continue pushing the envelope with future launches. It’s not only about Starlink; the company’s long-term vision includes missions to Mars, lunar exploration, and creating a permanent human presence beyond Earth. Each successful mission, whether it’s launching satellites or sending astronauts to the International Space Station, further solidifies SpaceX’s position as one of the most influential players in the space industry.
Record-Breaking Stats
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most impressive stats from the 28th launch:
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Launch Date: May 13, 2025, 1:02 a.m. EDT
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Rocket: Falcon 9, Booster B1067
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Satellite Payload: 28 Starlink satellites
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Booster Reuse: 28th flight for Booster B1067
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Landing: Successful landing on “Just Read the Instructions” drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean
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Mission Duration: Approximately 65 minutes from launch to satellite deployment
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rocket Type | Falcon 9 |
| Booster Designation | B1067 |
| Satellites Deployed | 28 Starlink satellites |
| Launch Location | NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, FL |
| Reusability Record | 28th flight and landing of booster |
This ongoing success continues to build upon the foundation that SpaceX has created for future space missions. Every new milestone not only brings humanity closer to the stars but also establishes a model for other space companies to follow.
SpaceX’s relentless pursuit of reusable technology and its commitment to Starlink’s expansion make this 28th launch a key event in the company’s ongoing saga. With each successful mission, SpaceX demonstrates the power of innovation and a future where space is no longer an inaccessible frontier but an everyday part of human life.
