SpaceX Launches 24 More Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg; Booster B1093 Flies Again

SpaceX launched 24 additional Starlink broadband satellites into low Earth orbit on Aug. 8, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Force Base on California's central coast.

Credit: SpaceX

A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 12:35 p.m. EDT (1635 GMT; 9:35 a.m. PT) carrying the 24 spacecraft. The rocket's first stage returned to Earth as planned about 8.5 minutes after liftoff, touching down on the SpaceX droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 24 Starlink internet satellites from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Aug. 8, 2026. | Credit: SpaceX

The booster, designated B1093, marked its 16th flight with this mission; its previous launch occurred on July 14, when it lofted 27 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg. The Falcon 9 upper stage continued the ride to orbit and deployed the 24 satellites about 61 minutes after liftoff, in line with the planned timeline.

Today's mission was the 92nd Falcon 9 liftoff of 2026 and the 71st launch this year dedicated to expanding the Starlink megaconstellation. Starlink now comprises more than 10,900 active satellites as SpaceX continues the constellation's buildout.

Why This Matters

Each batch of Starlink satellites helps SpaceX expand global broadband coverage and improve network capacity. Reused boosters like B1093 reduce launch costs and support rapid, frequent flights needed to grow and maintain the constellation.

Credit: SpaceX