SpaceX launched another set of Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit Friday, while also achieving a major milestone with its 450th successful booster landing.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 3:32 p.m. PDT (6:32 p.m. EDT, 2232 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, designated Starlink 11-16, deployed 27 Starlink satellites, adding to SpaceX's growing broadband constellation.
The booster for this mission, designated B1075, completed its 18th flight, having previously supported Transporter-11, SARah-2, and 14 other Starlink missions. Just over eight minutes after launch, the first stage landed successfully on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You (OCISLY), stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
According to independent orbital tracker Jonathan McDowell, SpaceX has now launched about 8,700 Starlink satellites, with more than 7,500 still in orbit. The landing marks the 131st recovery for OCISLY and the 361st droneship landing overall, further solidifying SpaceX's lead in reusable launch technology.