SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, recovers booster at sea
SpaceX lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on October 27, sending a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 28 new Starlink broadband satellites into low‑Earth orbit. The launch, conducted at approximately 14:45 UTC, marked the latest addition to the company's rapidly expanding satellite constellation, which aims to provide global high‑speed internet coverage.
The newly deployed satellites join more than 4,000 operational units already orbiting the planet, extending service to remote and underserved regions. According to company officials, the batch is part of a scheduled rollout designed to fill coverage gaps over the Pacific and improve network capacity in the Americas. The launch follows a series of similar missions from both Vandenberg and Florida, reflecting SpaceX's strategy of frequent, relatively low‑cost deployments to maintain and upgrade the constellation.
Following payload deployment, the Falcon 9’s first stage performed a controlled descent and successfully touched down on an autonomous floating platform in the Pacific Ocean. The sea landing, the company's 25th such recovery, demonstrated the reusability of its launch vehicles and contributed to cost reductions for future missions. Engineers monitoring the recovery reported that the booster performed within expected parameters, and the platform was retrieved by a recovery vessel for transport back to the company's processing facilities.
Industry analysts note that the continued cadence of Starlink launches underscores the growing commercial demand for satellite‑based internet services and highlights SpaceX’s dominant position in the market. The company has indicated plans to launch additional batches throughout the year, aiming to reach a target of 12,000 satellites in the next few years. Local authorities and federal regulators have expressed support for the program, citing its potential to bridge the digital divide while also emphasizing the importance of responsible orbital debris management. The successful launch and sea recovery reinforce SpaceX’s operational capabilities and set the stage for further expansion of its global broadband network.
