Earlier this week, SpaceX launched 20 Kuiper communications satellites, completing its 100th mission in 2025.
A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 8:35 a.m. ET, marking the 97th launch of the model this year. The mission was the third attempt after two previous attempts scheduled for the weekend were canceled due to adverse weather.
A total of 24 Kuiper satellites have been delivered to low Earth orbit, adding to the previously launched satellites and increasing their total to 102. According to plans, the Kuiper constellation will eventually include over 3,200 units of equipment, which will require more than 80 upcoming launches.
The rocket's first stage returned to Earth nine minutes after liftoff, landing on SpaceX's drone ship, A Shortfall of Gravitas, in the Atlantic Ocean. It was the 120th successful landing on the platform. Unlike standard SpaceX practice, the booster used was unused — the company typically uses reusable stages.
“Another 24 Kuiper satellites have been successfully launched into low orbit,” the project's representatives reported on its official X page on Monday.
Three other SpaceX missions in 2025 included suborbital test launches of the Starship spacecraft, aimed at supporting future colonization of Mars.
Sourse: www.upi.com
