Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 17-13

SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches Starlink Group 17-13: Expanding Global Connectivity

On February 14, 2026, SpaceX achieved another milestone in its ambitious Starlink project with the successful launch of Starlink Group 17-13 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket carried a payload of 25 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), contributing to the ever-growing mega-constellation designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access worldwide. This mission underscores SpaceX's relentless pace in deploying orbital infrastructure, with launches occurring at a cadence that rivals traditional space agencies.

The primary objective of Starlink Group 17-13 is to bolster the constellation's coverage and capacity. Each of these satellites, weighing approximately 300 kilograms, features advanced laser communication systems for inter-satellite links, enabling data routing without reliance on ground stations. This payload enhances Starlink's ability to deliver broadband to underserved regions, including remote rural areas, maritime vessels, and aircraft. With a design life of about five years, these satellites operate at an altitude of around 550 kilometers, minimizing latency to under 20 milliseconds in optimal conditions. The mission's success rate for satellite deployment has been consistently high, reflecting refinements in payload fairing separation and orbital insertion techniques. By integrating user terminals with phased-array antennas, Starlink aims to achieve global coverage, potentially disrupting traditional telecom providers and bridging the digital divide for billions.

At the heart of this launch is the Falcon 9 Block 5, SpaceX's workhorse reusable rocket. Standing 70 meters tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters, the two-stage vehicle is powered by nine Merlin 1D engines in the first stage, generating over 7.6 million newtons of thrust at sea level. The second stage uses a single vacuum-optimized Merlin engine for orbital insertion. Key to its efficiency is reusability: the first stage, equipped with grid fins and landing legs, can return to Earth for vertical landing on drone ships or ground pads. This Block 5 variant incorporates upgrades like enhanced thermal protection and stronger titanium grid fins, allowing for up to 20 reuses per booster. Payload capacity reaches 22,800 kilograms to LEO in expendable mode, though Starlink missions typically operate in reusable configuration to cut costs dramatically—estimated at under $30 million per launch compared to competitors' $100 million-plus figures.

Falcon 9's performance history is a testament to iterative