After FAA Clearance, SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites

By Manisha Sahu | America News World

November 19,2025

SpaceX carried out another flawless mission on Tuesday evening, successfully launching 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted restrictions that had temporarily halted commercial spaceflight activities during the recent US government shutdown. The mission, conducted from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, not only restored SpaceX’s regular launch rhythm but also underscored the company’s growing dominance in global satellite-based internet services.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:12 PM EST (5:42 AM IST Wednesday) from Launch Complex 40, marking SpaceX’s first early-evening Starlink mission in weeks. The launch came after the FAA reauthorized commercial rocket operations, which had been suspended as part of broader limitations imposed during the shutdown. This clearance immediately paved the way for SpaceX to resume its high-frequency launch schedule.

According to the company’s updates shared on social media, the Falcon 9’s second stage successfully deployed the 29 Starlink satellites approximately one hour and five minutes after liftoff. The payload separation was confirmed through onboard camera footage, drawing applause from mission controllers and space enthusiasts tracking the launch via live streams.

A Milestone Mission for Cape Canaveral

Tuesday’s launch, designated Starlink 6-94, marked the 99th launch from the Florida spaceport in 2025. This achievement brings Cape Canaveral within touching distance of crossing the remarkable threshold of 100 launches in a single year—an indicator of both SpaceX’s operational capacity and the rapidly expanding demand for high-speed satellite internet globally.

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, together with neighboring Kennedy Space Center, has seen unprecedented activity as commercial spaceflight continues to grow. SpaceX has led this acceleration, frequently turning around launch pads in record time. The 99-launch milestone highlights not only technological progress but also the efficiency and reliability of modern reusable rocket systems.

Back to Routine After FAA Curfew Lift

The temporary curfew on commercial space launches was put in place as government operations slowed, impacting agencies responsible for regulating airspace and launch corridors. The FAA must provide essential oversight for rocket launches, ensuring safety for both space operations and the thousands of aircraft traversing US airspace daily.

The government shutdown forced the agency to prioritize essential services, pausing commercial launch reviews. As soon as the restrictions eased, SpaceX acted swiftly to return to its packed launch calendar. Tuesday’s mission was therefore seen as a significant step in restoring normalcy in the US commercial space sector.

For SpaceX, which often conducts multiple launches per week, any operational pause can lead to scheduling challenges. However, the company’s rapid resumption demonstrates its robust infrastructure and preparation to adapt quickly once regulatory barriers are removed.

Starlink Constellation Continues Rapid Expansion

The 29 satellites launched are part of SpaceX’s ambitious Starlink constellation, aimed at creating a global network of low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet. With thousands of satellites already in orbit, Starlink has expanded quickly, providing service to more than 70 countries across the world.

The new satellites belong to the Starlink “V2 Mini” series, known for improved bandwidth, increased coverage capacity, and enhanced communication capabilities. These smaller yet more powerful satellites are designed to optimize efficiency while enabling faster deployment numbers per launch.

Starlink has become a crucial connectivity option in rural areas, conflict zones, and regions prone to natural disasters. The network has also gained attention for its use in emergency response efforts and for supporting connectivity in aviation and maritime industries.

Reusable Rockets Continue to Break Records

While SpaceX did not provide immediate details about the booster used for Tuesday’s launch, the company’s first-stage Falcon 9 rockets routinely complete more than 15 to 20 missions. SpaceX’s commitment to reusability has drastically reduced the cost of access to space, enabling the company to execute its ambitious launch schedule and maintain its lead in the commercial space race.

It is expected that the booster used in this mission landed successfully on one of SpaceX’s autonomous droneships stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, although official confirmation typically follows shortly after the mission concludes.

Such booster landings have become iconic moments in modern spaceflight, turning what was once an engineering challenge into a near-routine achievement.

A Strong Finish to 2025 for SpaceX

The Starlink 6-94 mission adds to what has already been a landmark year for SpaceX. With the company rapidly approaching 100 launches from Florida alone—alongside several missions from its California launch sites—2025 is on track to be its busiest year on record.

Beyond Starlink, SpaceX continues to support a busy manifest of commercial payloads, NASA missions, crewed flights to the International Space Station, and increasingly, early test flights of its next-generation Starship system. The sheer frequency and reliability of Falcon 9 missions underline SpaceX’s standing as the backbone of the US launch industry.

As the FAA resumes normal operations, SpaceX is expected to accelerate its launch cadence in the final weeks of the year. With global demand for satellite internet rising and competition intensifying, SpaceX remains committed to expanding the Starlink constellation and maintaining accessibility to its services worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday’s launch sends a clear message: the moment regulatory barriers are removed, SpaceX is ready to fire engines and push forward. The successful deployment of 29 more Starlink satellites strengthens the company’s position in the satellite broadband market and contributes to a rapidly growing infrastructure that may redefine global internet connectivity.

As SpaceX eyes new frontiers—with aspirations ranging from lunar missions to Mars colonization—the steady rhythm of Falcon 9 launches showcases the organization’s operational maturity, engineering excellence, and long-term vision.

For now, the skies over Florida continue to glow with the fire of reusable rockets, marking another chapter in America’s expanding role in commercial space exploration.