Watch: SpaceX launches Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral; 28 more broadband satellites added to low-Earth orbit

Space X has launched the Starlink 10-28 mission at 4.21 am on Tuesday, July 8 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, adding 28 more broadband satellites to low-Earth orbit , as reported by Florida Today.

According to SpaceX , the early morning mission marked the Falcon 9 first-stage booster's 22nd flight. After stage separation, the booster successfully landed on the drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 8 minutes and 14 seconds after liftoff.

“Falcon 9 delivers 28 @/Starlink satellites to the constellation from Florida,” posted SpaceX on social media X.

A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory initially listed the launch site as Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, but remaining consistent with recent such advisories the Falcon 9 instead listed off from Nearby Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

This mission marked the 59th orbital rocket launch so far this year from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and KSC. Looking ahead, Space Force officials announced that SpaceX received an $81.6 million contract to launch the USSF-178 mission in the first half of fiscal year 2027.

This includes the Space Force’s Space Systems Command's Weather System Follow-on-Microwave Space Vehicle 2 (or WSF-M2), which will enhance global weather sensing, It also carries BLAZE-2, a group of small department of defence satellites used for operation, research and development.

Starlink is also set to assist in the rescue efforts by providing free service for those affected in the recent floods in Texas.

“In support of those impacted by flooding in Texas , Starlink is providing Mini kits for search and rescue efforts-ensuring connectivity in dead zones- and one month of free service for thousands of customers in the region, including those who paused service so they can reactivate Starlink during this time,” a post by Starlink read on X.

“The @/Starlink team and @/TMobile have also enabled basic texting (SMS) through our Direct to Cell satellites for TMo customers in the areas impacted by flooding in Texas. This includes Kerr County, Kendall County, Llano County, Travis County and Comal County. Additionally, anyone in the impacted areas with a compatible smartphone will be able to receive emergency alerts from public safety authorities,” they had posted.