A Stellar Launch Under the Full Moon

In an impressive display of technology, SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites under the illumination of a full moon. The latest mission, dubbed Starlink 12-17, took flight from the iconic Launch Complex-39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday night, April 12.

Falcon 9 Rocket Soars and Lands with Precision

The Falcon 9 rocket blasted off at precisely 8:53 p.m. EDT, showcasing its remarkable capabilities by carrying 21 satellites to low Earth orbit. Just 2.5 minutes into the mission, the first stage booster, known as B1083, separated flawlessly from the rocket, allowing it to continue its ascent.

A Remarkable Touchdown at Sea

After completing its critical mission, B1083 executed a perfect landing on SpaceX’s droneship, 'A Shortfall of Gravitas,' stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This achievement marks yet another milestone in SpaceX's efforts to make space travel more sustainable.

Innovative Technology to Bridge the Cellular Divide

The payload of 21 satellites included 13 equipped with groundbreaking Direct to Cell technology, designed to eliminate cellular dead zones across the globe. SpaceX’s collaboration with T-Mobile aims to bring this cutting-edge connectivity to underserved areas in the United States.

Joining the Expanding Starlink Constellation

Approximately one hour post-launch, the Starlink satellites were released into orbit, each beginning their precise maneuvers to integrate into SpaceX's rapidly growing megaconstellation. With over 7,000 satellites already functional, Starlink provides users with low-latency, high-speed internet access nearly anywhere on Earth, barring some polar regions.

Another Milestone for SpaceX

This launch marks the 42nd Falcon 9 mission of 2025, further solidifying SpaceX's commitment to expanding its Starlink network. Out of these missions, 28 have specifically focused on deploying Starlink satellites, enhancing global connectivity week by week.