On Monday, January 12, 2026, SpaceX once again demonstrated its technological prowess by launching another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket took off from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 4:08 PM Eastern Time, swiftly breaking through the atmosphere and reaching orbit in just nine minutes. This time, 29 satellites were on board, further expanding the already impressive Starlink constellation that provides internet access worldwide.
Fifty minutes after liftoff, following a brief flight and a second-stage burn, the satellites were successfully deployed to their designated orbit. SpaceX promptly announced the mission’s completion and confirmed the deployment of all spacecraft. This event marked not only another step in the development of the global network but also a significant milestone for the company itself—this was the 25th flight of Falcon 9, and the first stage once again landed on the “A Shortfall of Gravitas” platform in the Atlantic Ocean.
Every SpaceX launch is more than just a technical feat; it is part of a broader strategy to deliver accessible internet even to the most remote corners of the planet. Starlink is already providing connectivity in places where other technologies fall short, and with each new launch, the network’s capabilities grow.
Technology and records
The Falcon 9, SpaceX’s true workhorse, has once again proven its reliability. The first stage, known as Booster 1078, completed its 13th mission and successfully landed on a floating platform, highlighting the uniqueness of the company’s reusable technology. Such achievements not only reduce launch costs but also open new horizons for commercial and scientific missions.
The Starlink constellation, now comprising nearly 9,500 active satellites, continues to expand. Each unit forms part of a vast system capable of providing high-speed internet even on aircraft and in remote regions. SpaceX makes no secret of its ambitions: the company aims to make the internet truly global, and the launch of 29 new satellites marks another step toward that goal.
Global impact
Starlink launches have already changed the rules of the game in the telecommunications market. Thanks to this system, residents of remote areas, travelers, and even airline passengers can access reliable internet. In addition, Starlink is actively developing technologies for direct connections between satellites and mobile devices, promising a revolution in communications.
SpaceX’s fifth launch in 2026 marked the company’s 615th overall. Such a pace is striking and has made competitors nervous. While others are still developing their projects, SpaceX is already putting them into practice, redefining the possibilities of modern spaceflight.
The Future of Starlink
With every new launch, the Starlink network becomes more powerful and reliable. The company isn’t stopping there: plans include expanding coverage, boosting data speeds, and introducing new services. Starlink is already testing direct-to-smartphone connectivity, a development that could completely reshape the mobile communications landscape.
Notably, the launch of 29 satellites is not just a technological feat, but also a symbol of relentless innovation. SpaceX continues to astonish the world, proving that the only limits we face are those of our own imagination.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that SpaceX is a private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. It specializes in developing and manufacturing launch vehicles, spacecraft, and satellite systems. Starlink is one of the company’s most ambitious projects, aiming to create a global satellite network for high-speed internet access worldwide. Over the years, SpaceX has become a leader in reusable rocket technology and has launched thousands of satellites, transforming the way humanity approaches space exploration and telecommunications.
