On Monday evening, SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from the United States Space Force base at Cape Canaveral. The launch, set at 10:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, surpassed Florida’s 2024 record for the number of orbital launches. Initially scheduled earlier in the day, the launch was delayed until after 10:00 PM EST due to an air traffic controller shortage caused by the U.S. federal government shutdown. Once airspace clearance was obtained, the rocket was cleared for launch.
SpaceX Boosts Florida’s Launch Profile
Florida’s spaceport combines NASA’s launch facilities at Kennedy Space Center with launch sites at the Space Force base at Cape Canaveral. Over the past five years, the frequency of launches has surged, predominantly due to SpaceX’s consistent missions. In 2024, alongside SpaceX’s rockets, the location also launched Blue Origin’s New Glenn, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan, and three Atlas V rockets.
Technological Advances with B1096 Booster
In this record-breaking nighttime launch, SpaceX utilized the relatively new B1096 booster. It marked its third flight, having previously deployed Amazon’s KF-01 satellite for the Kuiper project and participated in NASA’s IMAP mission earlier in 2024.
The booster autonomously landed on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, a feat achieved just over eight minutes post-launch. This rapid turnaround highlights the technological sophistication of SpaceX’s reusability strategy.
Impact on the Aerospace Industry
The new record illustrates how Florida’s spaceport is transforming into a global hub for aerospace activities. The high launch cadence, active participation of commercial companies, and effective reuse of boosters are enhancing infrastructure for communication, navigation, and near-Earth space research missions.
Photo: Joe Marino / UPI
SpaceX’s expansion into broadband services via Starlink represents a significant shift in global internet accessibility, addressing underserved regions and aiding competition in the telecom industry. By pushing the capabilities of its Falcon 9 rocket and achieving high-frequency launches, SpaceX continues to lead the charge in reducing costs and increasing the accessibility of space.
This post was last modified on 11/10/2025