Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 17-34

SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches Starlink Group 17-34: Expanding the Global Internet Constellation

On February 10, 2026, SpaceX executed another milestone in its ambitious Starlink project with the launch of Starlink Group 17-34 aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This mission deployed 25 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), further densifying the mega-constellation designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access worldwide. Originating from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the launch underscored SpaceX's relentless pace in building what could become the backbone of global connectivity.

The primary objective of this mission was to enhance Starlink's coverage, particularly in underserved regions such as remote rural areas, maritime zones, and aviation routes. Each of the 25 satellites weighs approximately 300 kilograms and is equipped with advanced laser inter-satellite links, enabling data relay without ground stations and reducing latency to under 20 milliseconds in optimal conditions. These V2 Mini satellites boast improved bandwidth capabilities, supporting up to 10 Gbps per beam, which allows for seamless streaming, video calls, and real-time applications even in high-demand scenarios. Payload deployment occurred about 65 minutes after liftoff, with the satellites maneuvering into their operational orbits at around 550 kilometers altitude. This batch contributes to Starlink's goal of ubiquitous coverage, targeting over 10,000 satellites in orbit by the end of the decade to handle petabytes of daily data traffic.

At the heart of the mission is the Falcon 9 rocket, a two-stage vehicle standing 70 meters tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters. The Block 5 variant, introduced in 2018, incorporates enhancements for reusability, including upgraded Merlin 1D engines that deliver 845 kN of thrust at sea level per engine—nine in the first stage and one vacuum-optimized in the second. Constructed primarily from aluminum-lithium alloy, the rocket can carry up to 22,800 kilograms to LEO in expendable mode, though Starlink missions often utilize reusable configurations to cut costs. The fairing, measuring 5.2 meters in diameter, protects the payload during ascent, while grid fins and cold gas thrusters enable precise first-stage landings. This design philosophy has revolutionized launch economics, with booster recovery rates exceeding 90% in recent years.

Falcon 9's performance history is a testament to iterative engineering. Since