Starlink 17-18 Adds 25 Satellites to 9931-Strong Constellation

SpaceX launched 25 Starlink satellites on March 6, 2026, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The liftoff took place from pad 4E during a window opening at 14:33:30 UTC. The mission, designated Starlink 17-18, placed the payload into low Earth orbit as part of Shell 17. The deployment adds to a constellation that now totals 11,463 satellites launched. Of those, 9,931 are in orbit and 9,920 are actively working. The newly deployed satellites are expected to complete phasing maneuvers and reach operational altitude within the coming weeks. The Falcon 9 booster is expected to return to a drone ship or landing zone for recovery. The satellites will undergo on-orbit checkouts before joining the existing fleet serving residential, maritime, and government customers.