SpaceX has reached a major milestone with the successful launch of its 500th Falcon rocket on June 12, 2025. This important mission delivered 26 new Starlink satellites into orbit, adding to the company’s expanding satellite internet network.
The flight used booster B1081, which had already flown 14 previous missions, showing SpaceX’s continued success with reusable rocket technology.
The launch happened at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. After delivering the satellites, the booster once again landed safely, marking another reuse success for SpaceX.
CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the event by sharing an early photo of the company’s beginnings in a small workshop, reflecting on how far SpaceX has progressed.
Just four days later, on June 16, the company sent another 26 Starlink satellites into orbit using a different Falcon 9 rocket. The booster for this mission, B1093, completed its third flight and also landed safely on an ocean recovery ship.
These regular launches are part of SpaceX’s long-term effort to provide high-speed internet coverage around the world, especially in areas with poor or no access.
With this steady pace and successful recoveries, SpaceX continues to lead the way in commercial space launches and global internet expansion.
SpaceX Hits 500 Launches, Axiom-4 Set for June 19
Now targeting no earlier than Wednesday, June 11 for Falcon 9 to launch @Axiom_Space's Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station due to high winds in the ascent corridor → https://t.co/LU1wyD8uZ0 pic.twitter.com/7jygzWEUwD
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 9, 2025
Axiom-4 Mission Set to Launch to Space Station on June 19
After a brief delay caused by a liquid oxygen leak, SpaceX is ready to launch its next human spaceflight mission, Axiom-4, on June 19, 2025. The launch will take place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, using the Crew Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
This mission is special because it includes Shubhanshu Shukla, who will become the first astronaut from India to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). The Axiom-4 crew, made up of four private astronauts, will carry out scientific research during their time aboard the ISS.
The mission is now scheduled to lift off at 4:53 a.m. EDT from Launchpad 39A, following final checks and repairs on some parts of the ISS.
Axiom-4 is a part of SpaceX's growing role in private space travel, marking another step toward making low-Earth orbit more accessible to international and commercial teams.
SpaceX’s ability to prepare and execute both satellite and crewed missions back-to-back demonstrates its increasing capabilities in space operations. The Axiom-4 flight could also pave the way for more private missions to space in the near future, expanding opportunities for global collaboration and research beyond Earth.
