SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral carrying 28 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit, marking the company's 251st satellite mission. The launch occurred during a four-hour window starting at 9:51 p.m. Eastern Time, with backup opportunities extending into the following day. The first stage booster, making its 18th flight after supporting several previous missions, was scheduled to land on the droneship 'Just Read the Instructions' in the Atlantic Ocean after stage separation. Favorable weather conditions were forecast for the launch, with a more than 95% chance of success at the initial window. Nearly 8,400 Starlink satellites have been deployed by SpaceX to date, with over 7,260 still in orbit. The mission was streamed live for public viewing.