Full Breakdown
SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base
6/22/2026, 11:16:21 AM
SpaceX Launch Adds 24 Starlink Satellites
On 21 June 2026, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying 24 Starlink satellites (Group 17-28). The rocket lifted off at 12:39 p.m. EDT (1639 GMT) and the payload was confirmed deployed about an hour later.
Background
Starlink is SpaceX’s low-Earth-orbit broadband constellation, which has grown to more than 10,600 operational satellites, a count tracked by astronomer Jonathan McDowell. Reuse of Falcon 9 first stages is routine; Booster 1063, used for this flight, has completed 33 missions, two short of the record of 35.
Key Players
- SpaceX – operator of Starlink and launcher of the Falcon 9.
- Falcon 9 – two-stage launch vehicle.
- Booster 1063 – first stage on its 33rd flight.
- “Of Course I Still Love You” – droneship that recovered Booster 1063.
- Jonathan McDowell – satellite tracker monitoring the constellation.
Launch Timeline
The Falcon 9 lifted off at 12:39 p.m. EDT, the satellites were released around 13:39 p.m. EDT, and Booster 1063 subsequently landed on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific.
Key Numbers
The launch added 24 satellites, raising the active Starlink fleet to over 10,600. Booster 1063’s 33rd flight brings SpaceX’s total Falcon 9 missions to 655, with 72 missions flown in 2026.
Implications
The additional satellites increase Starlink’s capacity for global internet, inflight Wi-Fi, and direct-to-cell services. Booster 1063’s 33rd flight, only two missions short of the reuse record, underscores the high reuse rate of Falcon 9 first stages.
Official Statements & Responses
SpaceX confirmed that the 24-satellite batch (Group 17-28) was deployed about an hour after liftoff. The company also noted that Booster 1063 successfully landed on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” and that the Starlink constellation now exceeds 10,600 active satellites.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No conflicting reports were identified in the available sources; the data are consistent across the coverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Click for next article SpaceX added 24 satellites to its Starlink megaconstellation on Sunday (June 21) with a launch from California.” — SpaceX
- “PDT local time) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base.” — SpaceX launch announcement
- “The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage (Booster 1063) completed its 33rd launch by landing on the autonomous droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" stationed in the Pacific Ocean.” — SpaceX mission update
- “(Image credit: SpaceX) The Starlink network now has more than 10,600 active satellites, according to tracker Jonathan McDowell.” — Jonathan McDowell
- “The service provides worldwide internet access, as well as inflight wifi and direct to cell connections for select providers.” — Starlink service description
