SpaceX launch today delivered 19 more Starlink satellites into orbit from California, successfully continuing the company’s ambitious schedule of launches while weather postponed a highly anticipated crewed mission from Florida.
On July 31, 2025, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 11:35 a.m. Pacific Time. The mission marked the 94th launch of the year for SpaceX and once again demonstrated the reliability of its reusable booster technology. The rocket’s first stage landed safely on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” stationed in the Pacific Ocean, marking its 27th flight.
This successful mission added to SpaceX’s expanding Starlink constellation, which now includes over 8,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, providing global satellite-based internet access. The company aims to continue scaling its satellite internet service, especially in remote and underserved areas.
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CREW-11 MISSION SCRUBBED DUE TO WEATHER
While the West Coast launch went smoothly, SpaceX’s Crew-11 mission from the East Coast faced a delay. Scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, the crewed mission was halted just over a minute before liftoff due to thick cloud cover and poor visibility.
This marks the second time the Crew-11 launch has been postponed, as weather in Florida continues to challenge scheduling. The new target time for liftoff is 11:43 a.m. Eastern Time on August 1.
Crew-11 will carry four astronauts to the International Space Station aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour. This will be the capsule’s sixth flight — the first time a Crew Dragon vehicle exceeds its original five-mission limit, thanks to recent safety upgrades and NASA certification.
STARLINK 10-30 MISSION HIGHLIGHTS
- Launch Vehicle: Falcon 9
- Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
- Payload: 19 Starlink satellites
- Booster Flight Number: 27
- Landing Platform: “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship
- Mission Duration: Approximately 8.5 minutes to booster landing
The booster used in this launch has now flown 27 times, nearing SpaceX’s reuse record. The company plans to retire some of its older Falcon 9 first stages later this year, making way for more streamlined reuse operations and upcoming Starship missions.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SPACEX
The delayed Crew-11 mission is now rescheduled for August 1. The mission’s crew includes two NASA astronauts, a JAXA astronaut from Japan, and a Russian cosmonaut. They are expected to dock with the International Space Station on the morning of August 2 if the weather allows launch as planned.
Meanwhile, SpaceX continues pushing forward with its Starlink program, with more launches expected throughout August from both U.S. coasts. The company is on track to surpass 100 launches in 2025 — a record-breaking pace driven by both government and commercial demand.
QUICK MISSION SUMMARY
| Mission | Launch Site | Payload | Booster Flights | Landing Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink 10-30 | Vandenberg SFB, CA | 19 Starlink Satellites | 27 | Drone Ship (Pacific Ocean) |
| Crew-11 (Delayed) | Kennedy Space Center, FL | 4 Astronauts (ISS) | N/A | New Launch Time: August 1, 11:43 a.m. ET |
SpaceX continues to dominate the commercial spaceflight sector, with reusable technology, rapid turnaround times, and ambitious expansion of its satellite internet infrastructure. The success of today’s Starlink mission and the anticipation surrounding Crew-11 keep eyes around the world fixed on the skies.
Got thoughts about today’s mission or the upcoming crew launch? Drop your questions or insights in the comments — we’d love to hear what you think.