VANDENBERG, CALIFORNIA – SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit on May 31, further strengthening its global satellite internet network. The latest deployment involved 27 additional Starlink units, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Station in Southern California.
The mission lifted off precisely at 1:10 p.m. PDT (4:10 p.m. EDT / 2010 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E), marking another milestone in the rapidly expanding Starlink program.
Falcon 9 Booster Lands Successfully After 25th Mission
Roughly eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage booster executed a flawless vertical landing on the autonomous droneship “Of Course I Still Love You”, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. According to SpaceX, this marked the 25th flight for this reusable booster, which had previously supported 14 Starlink launches among other missions—demonstrating the company’s commitment to cost-effective, reusable rocket technology.
 |
| Image: SpaceX |
Deployment Timeline and Satellite Constellation Growth
SpaceX confirmed that the 27 new satellites were on schedule to be deployed into low Earth orbit (LEO) within one hour of launch. This mission is part of the company’s broader effort to provide high-speed, low-latency internet coverage around the globe, particularly in underserved or remote areas.
With this latest launch, Starlink remains the largest satellite constellation ever built. According to spaceflight analyst Jonathan McDowell, over 8,790 Starlink satellites have been deployed to date, with approximately 7,600 currently active and functioning in orbit.
Elon Musk: Starlink is Funding the Future of Space Exploration
SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk has emphasized the importance of Starlink not only as a commercial venture but as a financial backbone for SpaceX’s ambitious interplanetary missions.
“Starlink is helping fund humanity’s journey to Mars,” Musk stated in a recent update to employees at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas. “To everyone who has subscribed to Starlink — thank you. You are contributing to securing the future of civilization and making life multi-planetary.”
Starlink provides satellite-based broadband access in over 60 countries and has already played a pivotal role in delivering connectivity during natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts where traditional infrastructure has failed.
SpaceX Continues to Lead in Satellite-Based Internet Technology
With each successful deployment, SpaceX cements its leadership in the space-based internet sector. The company continues to launch multiple Starlink missions per month, rapidly scaling the network to support growing demand from individual consumers, governments, and businesses alike.
The Starlink program is key to SpaceX’s long-term vision, including supporting future Moon and Mars missions, expanding access to information, and revolutionizing how the world stays connected.
Key Takeaways from SpaceX's May 31 Launch:
-
27 Starlink satellites deployed into low Earth orbit
-
Launch executed from Vandenberg Space Force Station
-
Falcon 9 booster completes its 25th successful mission
-
Starlink constellation now exceeds 7,600 active satellites
-
Starlink revenue supports SpaceX's interplanetary ambitions
