Spacex Sends 24 Starlink Satellites Into Orbit From California

WHO:

Space.com - SpaceX is the organization responsible for the launch.

Spaceflight Now - The Falcon 9 rocket was used for the launch.

WHAT:

Space.com - SpaceX launched 24 Starlink internet satellites.

Spaceflight Now - The mission is referred to as Starlink 17-52.

Spaceflight Now - SpaceX currently has more than 10,800 Starlink satellites in orbit.

Spaceflight Now - This mission marks the 90th Falcon rocket launch in 2026 and the 69th batch of Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites launched this year.

WHERE:

Space.com - The launch took place from California's central coast.

Spaceflight Now - The launch occurred at Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

WHEN:

Spaceflight Now - The Falcon 9 rocket launched at 8:08 p.m. PDT.

Spaceflight Now - The original launch date was planned for Monday, July 27.

Spaceflight Now - The booster B1081 has completed its 26th flight.

WHY:

Spaceflight Now - SpaceX did not disclose the reasons for the repeated delays from the original launch date.

HOW:

Spaceflight Now - The satellites were deployed from the upper stage about an hour after launch.

Spaceflight Now - The Falcon 9 first stage B1081 landed on the droneship, Of Course I Still Love You, in the Pacific Ocean.

Spaceflight Now - This landing was the 214th on this vessel and the 643rd orbital booster landing for SpaceX.

(UPDATED August 1, 2026 10:30 UTC)

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink internet satellites from California's central coast using a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the mission as Starlink 17-52. This launch, which took place at 8:08 p.m. PDT from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, is notable as the 90th Falcon rocket launch in 2026 and the 69th batch of Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites launched this year. After deploying the satellites about an hour post-launch, the Falcon 9 first stage B1081 made a successful landing on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You, achieving the 214th landing on that vessel and the 643rd orbital booster landing for SpaceX.