The latest cluster of 23 Starlink mini-satellites was deployed into orbit on November 18, marking another milestone for SpaceX’s Starlink program. The Falcon 9 launch proceeded successfully, delivering the satellites and signaling continued momentum for the company’s constellation. The first stage of Falcon 9 booster B1069 landed on the drone ship after its 11th flight, a routine performance that underscores the reusability strategy driving the mission. The Starlink-6.28 mission proceeded without incident, and SpaceX confirmed the successful deployment of all intended satellites.
The liftoff occurred at 8:05 Moscow time from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission adds to SpaceX’s growing catalog of Starlink flights, with this launch representing the 123rd Starlink mission since the program began in 2019 and the 54th launch in the current year. The global Starlink constellation now comprises roughly 5,400 small satellites operating in low Earth orbit to deliver high-speed internet access to users around the world. As with any large-scale satellite network, occasional component failures occur and replacement satellites are deployed as needed to maintain service continuity [Source: SpaceX, 2024].
In a public update, SpaceX founder Elon Musk discussed Starlink’s progress, noting that the network has reached a break-even point in operational terms. He highlighted that Starlink accounts for a substantial share of all active satellites as well as satellites slated for future launches in the coming year, reflecting the company’s steady expansion plan and its role in global broadband access [Source: Elon Musk Statements, 2024]. Earlier remarks from Musk suggested SpaceX’s ambitions would lead to a rate of space cargo delivery that would outpace other initiatives worldwide, a perspective tied to the company’s heavy-launch cadence and reusable rocket technologies [Source: SpaceX, 2023].
The Starlink project continues to pursue broader internet coverage by deploying satellites in incremental batches, with the latest mission contributing to improved service reliability and capacity for customers in regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Each launch advances the long-term objective of delivering ubiquitous high-speed connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas, while supporting ongoing testing and refinement of user terminals and network orchestration. As the constellation grows, users can expect enhancements in latency, bandwidth, and resilience, alongside ongoing efforts to optimize satellite lifetimes and replacement strategies to sustain service quality over time [Citation: SpaceX, 2024; Musk Statements, 2024].