Falcon 9 Returns to Space with 26 Starlink Satellites
On May 9, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 26 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This was the first Falcon 9 launch of the month from this location, following a brief delay from earlier scheduled dates.
Initially set for May 3, the Starlink 15-3 mission faced two delays before finally lifting off at 5:19 p.m. PDT (8:19 p.m. EDT, 0019 UTC). SpaceX did not publicly disclose the reason for the postponements.
Reused Falcon 9 Booster Lands Again
The mission utilized the Falcon 9 first stage booster B1081, which has now completed 14 successful flights. Previous missions for this booster included: 
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Crew-7
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CRS-29
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Two Transporter rideshare launches
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NASA’s PACE spacecraft
Just over eight minutes after liftoff, the booster landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. This marked the 128th successful landing on that vessel and the 441st overall for SpaceX.
More Launches Expected from Vandenberg
Thanks to recent FAA approval, SpaceX can now increase its annual launches from Vandenberg’s SLC-4E site from 36 to 50. This means residents across the Southwestern U.S. may see even more rocket launches in the coming months.
Starlink Faces New Competition
The satellite internet space is heating up as rivals enter the market. Amazon is stepping up with its own satellite project, directly challenging Starlink. Read more about the ongoing rivalry in our related blog: Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk’s feud reignites as Amazon satellites challenge Starlink
