With 146 missions in 2025, SpaceX breaks annual launch record
What's the story
SpaceX has broken its own record for the number of launches in a year, achieving an impressive 146 missions in 2025. The latest mission saw a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. This is a major leap from the company's performance in previous years. In 2019, there were only 13 orbital launches and last year it managed to complete a total of 138 launches.
Launch drivers
Over 100 missions for Starlink satellite internet service
The majority of SpaceX's launches this year have been for its Starlink satellite internet service. Over 100 of the 146 missions so far have involved launching these satellites. The latest mission added another 29 to the rapidly expanding network, which now has more than 8,800 active satellites providing internet coverage in multiple countries.
Booster journey
Mission marked fifth flight of Falcon 9's first-stage booster
The latest mission also marked the fifth flight of Falcon 9's first-stage booster, designated as 1094. This particular booster had previously been used for two crewed space station missions and a supply run to the space station. After stage separation, it successfully landed on an ocean drone ship named 'Just Read the Instructions' about 8.5 minutes after liftoff while the rocket's second stage continued toward its target orbit and deployed satellites successfully.