SpaceX smashed the small satellite rideshare record again, lofting 81 satellites on a single Falcon 9 launch. On July 7, the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying the Transporter-17 mission – a massive payload of satellites bundled together to serve dozens of customers in one go.
The first stage booster made a successful touchdown on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean after separation. This booster marked its 11th flight, highlighting how SpaceX’s combination of reusable rockets and bundled satellite launches streamlines access to orbit, especially for smaller spacecraft operators who don’t need a dedicated rocket.
The Transporter series has been running since 2021, with the inaugural Transporter-1 mission setting the company’s record by deploying 143 satellites in one launch – a feat that still stands. In comparison, Rocket Lab’s launches usually carry far fewer satellites per flight, emphasizing SpaceX’s dominance in this crowded sector of small satellite deployment. Industry analysts at Euroconsult expect the small satellite market to grow, demanding hundreds of rideshare launches in the coming years, ensuring steady business for missions like Transporter-17.