SpaceX makes a record breaking 29th reflight of a first stage Falcon 9 booster

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, SpaceX launched a new Starlink mission and completed the first-ever 29th reflight for the first stage booster for the Falcon 9 rocket.

The space rocket maker has been working on increasing the reusability factor of the launch vehicle with each flight and improving the efficiency for each launch. However, this is a significant milestone for the SpaceX team. The booster previously supported important missions including NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, Transporter-14, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153, NROL-192, and 17 Starlink missions.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California (Source – SpaceX)

The mission took place from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, and the payload included 28 Starlink satellites. This new set of Starlink satellites will improve the overall connectivity of the Starlink constallation and users across the globe.

After separating from the second stage, the booster landed on an Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean. Prior to the liftoff, SpaceX had published an advisory that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch.