SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 7:48 a.m. EDT on May 25, 2026, during the Starlink 10-47 mission. The flight added 29 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites to the low Earth orbit constellation, which now includes over 10,000 spacecraft. This was the 60th orbital flight of the year for SpaceX, with 59 Falcon 9 rockets and one Falcon Heavy launch already completed. The rocket followed a north-easterly trajectory after liftoff, with deployment confirmed 8.5 minutes later.
The mission used the Falcon 9 first stage B1078, which made its 28th flight. Previous missions included NASA’s Crew-6, the USSF-124 satellite, and multiple Starlink deliveries. B1078 landed on the drone ship ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ in the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina, marking the 151st landing for the vessel and the 614th booster landing overall. The rocket’s reusability is a key factor in SpaceX’s ability to conduct frequent launches.
The 45th Weather Squadron had forecast an 85% chance of favorable weather for the launch window, though meteorologists noted a small risk of cumulus clouds interfering. They warned that showers forming in the Atlantic could move onshore, making the Cumulus Cloud Rule the primary concern. Despite this, the launch proceeded without delays.
SpaceX’s Starlink network continues to expand, with this mission adding to the growing number of satellites providing global broadband internet. The company has conducted 22 Starlink deliveries this year alone, contributing to the constellation’s rapid growth. The launch was visible from much of Florida’s east coast, with clear skies and a bright morning sun.