SpaceX Sends 27 More Starlink Satellites Into Orbit on a Halloween Launch

SpaceX started Halloween with a launch from California. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 27 Starlink internet satellites lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Oct. 31, Space.com reported, and the satellites were released into low Earth orbit about an hour later.

The rocket's first stage returned to Earth as planned, landing on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean. The launch adds to what is already by far the largest satellite network ever assembled, according to Space.com.

How the Starlink launch unfolded

According to Space.com, the Falcon 9 left the pad at 12:04 a.m. EDT on Oct. 31. That was 9:04 p.m. on Oct. 30 local time in California. The rocket's upper stage did its job, deploying the 27 satellites about 62 minutes after liftoff.

The first stage came back about 8.5 minutes after launch. It touched down on the drone ship named “Of Course I Still Love You,” which was stationed in the Pacific. Landing the booster on a ship at sea is what allows SpaceX to fly the same hardware again.

A well-traveled booster

This was the 18th flight for this particular booster, designated B1093. For comparison, Space.com noted that the record for a SpaceX first stage is 37 flights, set this past August by the booster B1067. Reusing boosters this many times is a central part of how the company keeps up its launch pace.

Where the Starlink network stands

The 27 new satellites join more than 11,000 spacecraft in the Starlink megaconstellation, Space.com reported. Starlink is SpaceX's internet service, and the satellites orbit relatively close to the planet in low Earth orbit.

The Oct. 31 mission was the 118th Falcon 9 flight of 2026 so far, according to Space.com. More than 70% of those missions have been devoted to building out the Starlink network. In other words, most of the company's workhorse rocket's flights this year have been about adding to this one constellation.

Why it matters for people who use or watch satellite internet

For most people, the practical meaning of a launch like this is behind the scenes. Each batch of satellites adds to a network that delivers internet service from orbit, and a steady stream of launches shows that the company can keep sending new spacecraft up at a rapid rate. Space.com did not describe any change to service as a result of this particular mission, so there is no direct impact for customers to point to from this launch alone.

The flight also shows how routine orbital launches have become for SpaceX. A first stage on its 18th trip, a landing at sea and a deployment about an hour after liftoff were all described as going to plan, with no problems reported.

Other SpaceX rockets this year

The Falcon 9 is not the company's only rocket. Space.com said SpaceX has also launched its Falcon Heavy and Starship rockets three times apiece this year. Falcon Heavy is an operational vehicle, while Starship remains in the test-flight phase.

What happens next

SpaceX is currently gearing up for another Starship launch, which is expected to take place sometime in November, according to Space.com. No more specific date was given, so the timing could still change.

Around Prague, based on reporting by Space.com