Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 17-30
Falcon 9 • Falcon
📝 Mission Description
SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches Starlink Group 17-30: Expanding Global Connectivity
On January 23, 2026, SpaceX achieved another milestone in its ambitious Starlink project with the successful launch of Falcon 9 Block 5 carrying Starlink Group 17-30. From Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the rocket lifted off at precisely 10:45 a.m. EST, deploying 24 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). This mission underscores SpaceX's relentless push to build a massive satellite constellation aimed at providing high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide, particularly in underserved regions.
The primary objective of Starlink Group 17-30 is to bolster the mega-constellation's coverage and capacity. Each of these second-generation Starlink satellites weighs approximately 300 kilograms and features advanced laser inter-satellite links for seamless data routing without ground stations. Capable of delivering broadband speeds up to 150 Mbps with latencies as low as 20 milliseconds, the payload enhances global connectivity. This batch contributes to SpaceX's goal of over 12,000 operational satellites by the mid-2020s, enabling services like remote education, telemedicine, and disaster response in areas lacking traditional infrastructure. The satellites' deorbiting mechanisms also address space debris concerns, aligning with international sustainability standards.
At the heart of the mission is the Falcon 9 Block 5, SpaceX's workhorse reusable rocket. Standing 70 meters tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters, it consists of two stages: the first powered by nine Merlin 1D engines generating 7,607 kN of thrust at sea level, and the second by a single vacuum-optimized Merlin engine. The Block 5 variant, introduced in 2018, incorporates upgrades like improved thermal protection and stronger landing legs for reusability. It can deliver up to 22,800 kg to LEO in expendable mode or 15,600 kg when the booster is recovered. This launch marked the booster's 15th flight, highlighting the design's efficiency in reducing costs—each reuse slashes expenses by an estimated 30% compared to single-use rockets.
Falcon 9's performance history is a testament to its reliability. Since its debut in 2010, the rocket has completed over 300 missions with a success rate exceeding 98%. The Block 5 series alone has flown more than 200 times, including landmark achievements like the first crewed orbital flight in
ℹ️ Official Details
A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Falcon 9 Block 5 launch of Starlink Group 17-30 on January 22, 2026, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment. The mission executed flawlessly, with the rocket’s technical performance meeting all operational benchmarks during ascent and stage separation. The batch of 25 Starlink satellites was deployed into their target low Earth orbit, further expanding SpaceX’s mega-constellation for global internet coverage. Key engineering outcomes include the reliable performance of the reusable Falcon 9 booster, reinforcing confidence in cost-effective, high-frequency launches. This mission underscores the scalability of the Starlink network, now bolstered by additional capacity for space-based communication. For future missions, the success validates SpaceX’s iterative design and operational strategy, paving the way for accelerated deployment of remaining constellation satellites and potential enhancements in satellite technology to improve service quality and coverage.