On May 1, SpaceX launched 28 V2 Starlink satellites into low‑Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This evening liftoff—just after 6:51 p.m. EDT—pushes its growing network to nearly 7,300 satellites, a clear sign that SpaceX is keeping pace with its expansive vision.
The mission used a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the 18th flight of its first‑stage booster. Identified as tail number 1080, this booster has already powered two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, supported two cargo flights, and launched the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory.
Shortly after launch, the booster safely landed on the drone ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ in the Atlantic Ocean—just 8.5 minutes after lift‑off. This feat represents the 440th re‑use of a booster by SpaceX, contributing to a total of 468 launches, with 51 of those happening this year alone.
If you’re looking to keep up with the latest developments in space exploration, this launch is a thoughtful reminder of how re‑usable technology is reshaping the industry.
