SpaceX Falcon 9 Deploys 21 Starlink Satellites, Enhancing Mobile Connectivity

SpaceX Falcon 9 Deploys 21 Starlink Satellites, Enhancing Mobile Connectivity



A Falcon 9 rocket launched by SpaceX took 21 Starlink satellites from Cape Canawral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday evening into low Earth orbit. Mission, nominated Starlink 12-7, EST was removed at 5:05 pm. Among the satellites deployed, 13 were equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities with the aim of increasing mobile connectivity. The mission also marked a significant milestone for the first phase booster, completing its 20th flight and successful landing.

Mission details

According to the mission description provided by SpaceX, as Informed By space.com, the booster, which is identified as B1076, supported various launch including first CRS-26, Intelsat Is-40E, and 10 other starlink missions. On the occasion, the droneship posted in the booster Atlantic Ocean landed about eight minutes after the lift on “Gravitas lack”. SpaceX stated that it marked the 96th recovery on the vessel and contributed to a total of 402 Falcon 9 Booster Landing.

Launch Terms and Mission Objectives

The weather conditions were favorable for launch, with 95 percent of the possibility of estimated acceptable conditions estimated by the 45th weather squadron. In the forecast only a minimum risk of Cumulus Cloud Rules Violation was noted.

Mission represents the 12th launch of the year of SpaceX, of which eight are Starlink-centered. In 2024, SpaceX completed the 134 orbital missions, as mentioned in its annual progress report. For 2025, the company is targeting an ambitious program, planning between its Falcon 9 and 160 to 180 launch on Falcon heavy platforms. This target will require a monthly average of about 13 to 15 missions to meet the launch.

Spacex launched two additional before the end of January: Spanceat NG-1 mission on 29 January and Starlink 11–4 mission on January 30 demonstrated the company’s high-book operations to fulfill its 2025 objectives.