SpaceX continued its rapid deployment of Starlink satellites with another successful launch on June 13, 2025. A Falcon 9 rocket carried 23 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
This launch, following closely on the heels of a previous deployment, further expands the Starlink constellation. The mission included 13 satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, enhancing global internet access.
The Falcon 9's first stage, B1078, achieved its 21st flight, landing successfully on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas." The second stage deployed the satellites approximately an hour after liftoff, adding to the existing network of over 7,600 units.
The direct-to-cell technology allows smartphones to connect directly to the Starlink network. This is especially useful in areas without ground-based internet coverage. SpaceX has now completed 73 Falcon 9 missions in 2025, with 55 dedicated to Starlink.
This rapid expansion of the Starlink constellation signifies a significant step towards providing global internet access. The direct-to-cell capabilities are particularly innovative, promising to bridge the digital divide in remote areas. This ongoing effort underscores SpaceX's commitment to revolutionizing space-based internet services and its impact on global connectivity.