SpaceX Launches 28 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg, Achieving Booster Flight Record

Liputan6.com, Jakarta SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

This landmark mission carried 28 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit, bolstering the constellation that provides global connectivity.

The launch, which took place at 7:04 PM PDT (10:04 PM EDT), captured public attention by creating a stunning "twilight effect" over the Southwestern United States.

This visual phenomenon occurs when the rocket's exhaust reflects the last rays of sunlight.

The mission, known as Starlink Group 11-20, marked the 28th flight for the B1063 first-stage booster.

This success affirms SpaceX's position as a leader in the commercial space industry, continuing to expand global internet reach through Starlink.

Falcon 9 launches 28 @Starlink satellites from California pic.twitter.com/e4zSCKUsg2

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 29, 2025

This latest Falcon 9 launch took place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The rocket lifted off at precisely 7:04 p.m. PDT, carrying a payload of 28 vital Starlink internet satellites.

These satellites are designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide.

The first-stage booster used on this mission, B1063, has now completed 28 flights.

After successfully separating, the booster made a flawless propulsive landing on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean.

The skies over Southern California and the Southwestern United States, including Arizona, were illuminated by a stunning "twilight effect."

According to SpaceX, Falcon 9 is a “reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond.”

Falcon 9 is considered the world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket.

The "constellation" of satellites consists of thousands of satellites that orbit Earth at an altitude of about 550 km, or 341 3/4 miles.   

The SpaceX launch today mission on September 28, 2025, marks SpaceX's 124th Falcon 9 launch in 2025.

This number reflects a very high operational rate, with a total of 542 launches since 2010.

SpaceX continues to lead the industry with an impressive launch frequency, demonstrating their capacity and ambition.

Of the total Falcon 9 launches in 2025, more than 70% were dedicated to building the Starlink megaconstellation.

This has resulted in more than 8,500 active satellites in the Starlink constellation.

This network serves as the backbone of connectivity in remote areas.The commitment to rocket reusability is also evident with booster B1063 reaching its 28th flight.

This technology not only reduces costs but also accelerates launch schedules, allowing SpaceX to continue achieving new records in space exploration and services.

Watch Falcon 9 launch 28 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California https://t.co/J3cQKyrkS3

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 29, 2025

Prior to today's SpaceX launch on September 28, SpaceX also conducted another Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg on Thursday evening, September 25, 2025.

This launch occurred at 9:26 p.m. PDT and carried 24 Starlink V2 Mini internet satellites into low-Earth orbit.

The first-stage booster used in the September 25 mission was B1082, which completed its 16th flight.

This booster has previously been used on numerous important missions, including NROL-145, USSF-62, OneWeb Launch 20, and 12 batches of Starlink satellites. Consistent booster reusability is key to SpaceX's efficiency.

The landing of booster B1082 was also successfully conducted autonomously on the SpaceX drone ship, "Of Course I Still Love You."

This was the 153rd landing by the spacecraft and the 512th booster landing overall to date.