SpaceX announced that the Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off, carrying 22 Starlink mini-satellites into orbit. The update came directly from SpaceX representatives on the company’s social media channel, confirming the mission details for followers and industry observers alike.
During the commentary surrounding the launch, SpaceX stated that the mission with 22 Starlink satellites was confirmed and completed as planned.
The liftoff took place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Since the start of 2023, SpaceX has conducted multiple orbital missions, contributing to the broader Starlink constellation expansion. The company has launched dozens of large-scale satellite groups since 2019 and, over history, has deployed thousands of small communication satellites to support global internet coverage in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink network.
Earlier reporting from Bloomberg noted a strategic development: the Pentagon was moving to purchase Starlink satellite terminals from SpaceX to equip Armed Forces operations, highlighting government interest in high-speed, low-latency satellite connectivity.
On May 14, there was an official statement describing a separate launch in which 56 Starlink satellites were delivered to orbit, underscoring SpaceX’s ongoing cadence of Starlink missions and constellation growth.
On May 11, multiple sources confirmed that the Falcon 9 successfully placed 51 Starlink mini-satellites into orbit. This mission rebuilt and reinforced the Starlink network, with the launch taking place from the SLC-4E site at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, a key gateway for missions along the Pacific coast.