Rocket Launch Today: SpaceX Falcon 9 Sends Starlink Satellites Into Orbit From Florida

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket early Sunday morning from Cape Canaveral. The launch took place at 6:53 a.m. on September 21 from Launch Complex 40. The rocket carried 28 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The first stage booster landed safely on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.

This was the 11th flight for the Falcon 9 booster. It has previously flown on missions including NASA Crew-9, RRT-1, and several Starlink batches. SpaceX confirmed the landing at 7:01 a.m., making the recovery another success for the company’s reusable rocket program. According to Reuters, the Starlink program now accounts for the majority of SpaceX launches.

Details of the SpaceX Rocket Launch Today

The liftoff was scheduled for 6:53 a.m. but SpaceX had until 9:20 a.m. to launch if needed. Weather conditions were favorable with a 90% chance of go for liftoff. Crowds across Brevard County witnessed a bright “jellyfish” effect as the rising sun met the rocket’s exhaust.

The booster’s recovery was planned at sea, meaning no sonic booms were heard along Florida’s coast. The landing ensures the booster will be refurbished for future missions. This mission highlights SpaceX’s record of reuse, with some Falcon 9 rockets now flying over a dozen times.

The webcast for the launch was streamed on X (formerly Twitter). Thousands tuned in to see the rocket rise against a sunrise backdrop. The event added to Florida’s busy launch schedule, with multiple missions lined up from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center in the coming weeks.

Why This Rocket Launch Matters

The Starlink program is vital for SpaceX’s long-term goals. Each launch adds more satellites to its growing constellation. The service provides internet coverage in remote and underserved regions around the world. For SpaceX, the program generates revenue to support larger projects like Starship and Mars exploration.

This morning’s mission also showed the reliability of reused hardware. The Falcon 9 booster used has now flown 11 times. Each successful recovery reduces costs and increases launch cadence. SpaceX continues to set records for frequent and consistent orbital launches.

Starlink launches also bring economic benefits to Florida’s Space Coast. Local businesses see boosts during high-profile missions. Residents and tourists gather to watch, adding to the region’s reputation as the world’s busiest spaceport.

SpaceX’s rocket launch today once again showed the power of reusability and the progress of the Starlink program. The successful mission adds momentum as the company prepares for future launches, including more Starlink batches and Starship test flights from Texas.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time was the rocket launch today?

The Falcon 9 launched at 6:53 a.m. local time from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, September 21.

Q2: How many satellites were launched?

The mission carried 28 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.

Q3: Did the rocket land safely?

Yes, the first stage booster landed on the drone ship *A Shortfall of Gravitas* at 7:01 a.m.

Q4: Why do people call it a jellyfish launch?

The exhaust plume lit up by the rising sun creates a glowing jellyfish-like effect in the sky.

Q5: What is the purpose of Starlink?

Starlink provides internet service through a satellite network, especially in rural and remote areas.