Tech Desk 
Jan 29, 2025
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The mission, designated Starink 12-7, launched at 5:05pm EST. Among the 21 satellites deployed, up to 13 were equipped with Direct-to-Cell capabilities, aimed at enhancing mobile connectivity in underserved regions across the globe.
This mission marked a significant milestone for the first-stage booster, marking the 20th successful flight and landing.
According to Space.com, the booster, B1076, played a key role in this mission, having supported several notable launches such as CRS-26, Intelsat IS-40e, and 10 other Starlink missions.
On this occasion, the booster landed up to eight minutes later after its launch on the droneship, “A Shortfall of Gravitas,” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX outlined that this marked the 96th recovery on the vessel, contributing to the total of 402 Falcon 9 booster landings.
SpaceX is pursuing its 2025 goals, planning between 160-180 launches across its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy platforms this year.
The goal would need a monthly average of 13-15 missions to reach the target.
The company has planned two more launches by the end of January: the SpainSat NG-1 mission on January 29 and the Starlink 11-4 mission on January 30.
