A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 27 Starlink satellites from California on Oct. 23, 2026. (Image credit: SpaceX)

SpaceX launched its newest batch of Starlink broadband internet satellites today (Oct. 23) from the California coast.

The spacecraft, Starlink Group 15-15, were stacked 27 high inside the payload fairing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket , which lifted off from Pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 6:48 p.m. EDT (2248 GMT; 3:48 p.m. local time in California).

The rocket's first stage booster, designated B1063, executed its main engine cutoff and stage separation about 2.5 minutes into flight, sending the second stage to continue onward to low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle's two-piece protective payload fairing was jettisoned just before T+3 minutes.

The Falcon 9's first stage, shortly after its drone-ship landing on Oct. 23, 2026. (Image credit: SpaceX)

The booster, meanwhile, reoriented for its descent back to Earth.…