Cape Canaveral, Florida — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on the evening of April 28, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing expansion of satellite internet services. Lift-off occurred at 10:34 p.m. EDT, just six hours after the company conducted a separate launch from California, showcasing its rapid deployment capabilities.
The Starlink 12-10 mission, designated as the 50th Falcon 9 launch of the year, involved a sophisticated booster that had not been utilized prior to this flight. While the specific tail number was uncertain ahead of the launch, it is believed to be either B1091 or B1094. This mission underscores SpaceX’s continuous advancements in reusable rocket technology.
Prior to the launch, the 45th Weather Squadron provided a favorable forecast, estimating a 75 percent chance of suitable weather conditions during the launch window. Meteorologists identified some potential concerns related to cumulus clouds and lingering remnants from previous thunderstorms, which could affect the mission. Launch weather officers highlighted these weather patterns as primary considerations as they monitored conditions leading up to liftoff.
Approximately eight minutes after the rocket took off, the Falcon 9’s first stage booster successfully landed on the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas,” further emphasizing SpaceX’s innovative approach to cost-effective spaceflight. This achievement marked the 106th landing on that specific droneship and contributed to a total of 439 booster landings, demonstrating the company’s ability to reintroduce rocket stages back into service.
The Starlink project continues to play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide across various regions by providing high-speed internet access. As SpaceX progresses with its satellite deployments, the implications for global connectivity are significant, particularly for underserved areas.
This mission solidifies SpaceX’s position as a leader in the commercial space sector, reflecting its commitment to rapid development and execution of space technologies. As the company continues to push boundaries, the future of satellite internet looks increasingly promising.