Starlink constellation surpasses 10,700 satellites as SpaceX kicks off second half of 2026 with California launch

SpaceX launched 24 Starlink broadband internet satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base on July 1, 2026, according to Space.com. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 10:58 p.m. EDT, marking the start of the second half of the year.

space.comSpaceX Falcon 9 launches 24 Starlink satellites from California

The mission, designated Starlink 17-46, follows a first half of 2026 in which SpaceX deployed nearly 1,600 satellites, Spaceflightnow reported. The company's low Earth orbit constellation now consists of more than 10,700 satellites, according to the outlet.

Space.com briefly noted the launch from California, while Spaceflightnow provided the broader context of the growing network. The Starlink system continues to expand at a rapid pace, with this launch adding to the already massive satellite fleet.