On October 19, SpaceX achieved something beyond remarkable, launching its 10,000th Starlink satellite into orbit! Just imagine a world where internet access is as universal as oxygen — that’s what SpaceX is aiming for with their expanding satellite network.

The day kicked off with a spectacular double-header launch, starting at California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. At precisely 12:24 p.m. local time, the Falcon 9 rocket blasted off, carrying 28 Starlink satellites, marking a monumental moment for the company’s mission to provide global broadband.

Among these was the 10,000th satellite, a massive step in SpaceX's quest to bridge connectivity gaps across the globe. This milestone was not just about numbers; it symbolizes years of innovation and ambition, with SpaceX already completing its 132nd Falcon 9 flight of the year, matching last year's record just two months before the year ends!

But the excitement didn’t stop there. Just hours later, a second Falcon 9 launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 1:39 p.m. EDT, also carrying 28 Starlink satellites. This particular mission was historic as its booster, numbered 1067, celebrated its 31st flight—setting a new reuse record!

Both launches were confirmed by SpaceX on social media, showcasing their progress in deploying the Starlink network which began in 2018 with two small prototype satellites, Tintin A and Tintin B. Now, millions of users around the world depend on this network.

According to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, as of now, 8,608 of these satellites remain operational while others have been deorbited safely, burning up in Earth's atmosphere. The company isn’t slowing down; in fact, it launched 89 missions in 2024 and is on track to outdo that this year, with plans to deploy up to 12,000 satellites and aspirations for a staggering 30,000 in the future.

The October 19 launch also marked the 55th rocket launch from Vandenberg this year and the 50th Falcon 9 flight from that site. SpaceX is set to continue this momentum with two more Falcon 9 launches planned for the week, weather permitting.

This isn’t just an achievement for SpaceX; it’s a bold stride towards a connected future for everyone!