SpaceX launches first Starlink mission of New Year

Florida: SpaceX has launched a Falcon IX rocket carrying 24 satellites into low-Earth orbit from Florida, its first Starlink mission of 2025.

The rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at noon.

This was the 17th flight for the first-stage booster supporting the mission, SpaceX officials said. It follows the launches of Crew 5, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, Optus-X, Immarsat I6-F2, GPS III-6, NG-20, and nine Starlink missions.

After liftoff, the booster returned to Earth and landed on a drone ship.

The rocket did not arrive at its designated launch pad until late morning, according to SpaceFlightNow, and it is unclear whether this was due to strong winds that have caused snow and freezing rain across the country.