SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites on Reused Falcon 9

The latest Starlink mission pushes SpaceX's satellite constellation to over 9,700 in orbit

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:57am

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a glowing Starlink satellite in orbit, surrounded by a network of illuminated data cables and cybernetic infrastructure, conveying the scale and technological complexity of the Starlink project.SpaceX's growing Starlink satellite network beams high-speed internet from the cosmos, but the company's pricing strategy has become a point of debate.Cape Canaveral Today

SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit on Tuesday evening, using a Falcon 9 rocket booster completing its 10th flight. The launch from Cape Canaveral marked SpaceX's 18th Starlink mission of the year, steadily growing its internet satellite network despite rising launch prices.

Why it matters

SpaceX's Starlink project aims to provide global high-speed internet access, and this latest launch is a significant step toward that goal. However, the company's pricing strategy for Falcon 9 launches has become increasingly controversial, with SpaceX citing inflation while some argue it is capitalizing on market dominance.

The details

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:04 pm EST, delivering the 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to low Earth orbit. The first stage booster, B1092, was completing its 10th flight, landing on SpaceX's drone ship 'Just Read the Instructions' in the Atlantic. While SpaceX touts reusability as a cost-saver, the company has quietly raised Falcon 9 launch prices, now charging $74 million per GTO mission, up from $67 million in 2022.

  • The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:04 pm EST on April 13, 2026.
  • This was SpaceX's 18th Starlink mission of the year.

The players

SpaceX

An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk.

Starlink

SpaceX's satellite internet constellation that aims to provide high-speed internet access globally.

Falcon 9

SpaceX's reusable two-stage-to-orbit medium-lift launch vehicle.

Jonathan McDowell

An astronomer who meticulously tracks the number of Starlink satellites in orbit.

Rocket Lab

A private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider.

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What’s next

SpaceX is expected to continue its rapid pace of Starlink launches throughout 2026 as it works to expand its satellite internet network.

The takeaway

While SpaceX's Starlink project is making progress toward global internet access, the company's pricing strategy for its Falcon 9 rocket has become a point of contention, with some arguing it is exploiting its market dominance despite the benefits of reusability.