SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites, Marks 24th Reuse of Falcon 9 Booster

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket achieved its 24th successful re-flight during a Starlink launch on Jan. 18, 2026, expanding the satellite network to over 9,500 active units.

The mission deployed 29 Starlink satellites (Group 6-100) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:31 p.m. EDT, marking the 8th launch of 2026 and the 591st Falcon 9 mission since 2010.

The first stage booster (B1080) completed its 24th re-flight and landed on the droneship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas'. This milestone demonstrates the Falcon 9's reusability, a key factor in reducing launch costs.

The Starlink constellation now includes over 9,500 active satellites, providing global internet access and supporting in-flight Wi-Fi and direct cell-to-satellite calls.

Orbital insertion followed a standard two-stage process: the first stage separated after reaching a programmed altitude, then the second stage ignited to place the satellites into low Earth orbit.

The landing sequence involved a controlled descent using thrusters and landing legs, a procedure refined over years of operational data.