SpaceX launches third Falcon 9 mission of 2025 with 21 Starlink satellites

On January 8, 2025, SpaceX lifted off the third Falcon 9 mission to low-Earth orbit with 21 Starlink satellites payload, the company also tagged 13 Direct to Cell capabilities.

The launch vehicle ignited engines from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocker maker capitalized on the first launch opportunity in the morning as the weather remained favorable through this flight.

Space X Falcon 9 rocket lifting off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida (Image Source: SpaceX)

The company has sent this rocket in the air with 9 Merlin engines firing at full power, which separated after hot-staging. With this mission, the booster stage completed its third flight and previously supported GOES-U and a Starlink mission.

Upon completing its descent, the first stage achieved the landing trajectory and performed a final burn before expanding its landing legs.

Note – This was the third and overall SpaceX Falcon 9 mission for SpaceX in 2025.

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