On November 23, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, using a brand-new Falcon 9 booster (B1100). The rocket lifted off from SLC-4E in the early hours of the morning local time.
This mission is particularly special because it marked the first flight of B1100, a fresh addition to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 fleet. Approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes after liftoff, the upper stage released its payload of 28 Starlink satellites into their planned low-Earth orbit. Meanwhile, the first stage executed a controlled return and landed on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You”, continuing SpaceX’s legacy of reusability.
The mission contributes significantly to the expansion of the Starlink constellation. By adding another 28 satellites, SpaceX is reinforcing its global broadband network, aiming to improve coverage and capacity in many regions. Launching from the West Coast also shows how SpaceX is balancing its operations between Florida and California, leveraging both spaceports to maintain a high launch cadence.
For space enthusiasts and residents along the California coast, this night launch offered a spectacular sight — a rocket plume lighting up the sky, followed by the roar of engines and a precision landing out at sea. It’s yet another reminder that while these missions happen frequently, each launch carries engineering brilliance and public fascination.
In summary, the Falcon 9’s ride into the evening sky wasn’t just about putting satellites into orbit — it was about pushing the boundaries of new hardware, sustaining Starlink’s growth, and demonstrating the reliability of reusable rocketry.
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