SpaceX successfully launched 29 additional Starlink internet satellites into orbit on January 9, 2026, marking the company’s third mission this year. The launch occurred at 4:41 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Mission Details and Booster Reuse
A Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellites to low Earth orbit. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage executed a controlled landing on SpaceX’s drone ship, “Just Read the Instructions,” located in the Atlantic Ocean. Notably, this was the 29th successful launch and landing for this specific booster – highlighting SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to reduce costs by maximizing hardware reuse.
Satellite Deployment and Constellation Growth
The upper stage of the Falcon 9 deployed all 29 satellites into their designated orbit roughly 65 minutes after launch. SpaceX confirmed the deployment via its X account. This brings the total number of active Starlink satellites in orbit to over 9,400, solidifying its position as the largest satellite constellation in history.
Significance of Rapid Deployment
The continuous deployment of Starlink satellites underscores SpaceX’s ambition to expand global broadband access, particularly in underserved areas. The pace of launches suggests a commitment to meeting growing demand for satellite internet services. The ability to rapidly increase constellation size is a key competitive advantage in the space-based internet market.
SpaceX’s sustained launch cadence demonstrates not only technological proficiency but also a clear business strategy focused on scaling Starlink to meet increasing global demand.
This launch further demonstrates SpaceX’s operational efficiency and its leading role in the commercial space sector.
