SpaceX rapidly expanded its Starlink internet constellation this weekend with two successful launches from both the East and West Coasts of the United States. The company deployed a combined total of 54 satellites, underscoring its relentless pace in building out the world’s largest satellite internet service.
West Coast Deployment
On Friday, March 13, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 10:57 a.m. EDT (7:57 a.m. PDT). It carried 25 Starlink satellites (Group 17-31) into low Earth orbit. Roughly an hour after launch, the satellites were successfully deployed, further strengthening Starlink’s coverage in the Western Hemisphere.
East Coast Follow-Up
Less than 24 hours later, on Saturday, another Falcon 9 launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 7:37 a.m. EDT (1137 GMT). This mission delivered 29 additional Starlink units (Group 10-48) to orbit, bringing the total number of active satellites in the network to 9,985, as tracked by space industry expert Jonathan McDowell.
Booster Recoveries
Both launches featured successful recoveries of the Falcon 9 first-stage boosters, a key element of SpaceX’s cost-reduction strategy. On Friday, Booster 1071 (B1071) landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. Saturday’s booster, 1095 (B1095), touched down on Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic.
Milestone Missions
Saturday’s launch was SpaceX’s 625th overall mission and its 585th successful booster landing. It also represented the company’s 32nd flight in 2026, highlighting the aggressive launch cadence that is driving the rapid expansion of Starlink and other SpaceX programs.
The continued deployment of Starlink satellites demonstrates SpaceX’s commitment to providing global broadband access, particularly to underserved regions. These launches are not only about expanding coverage but also about refining and scaling a business model that relies on frequent, reliable, and reusable space transportation.
