SpaceX will cease using Falcon 9 for Starlink launches from Florida, shifting all future East Coast missions to its next-generation Starship vehicle. This decision marks a strategic move to phase out the company’s workhorse rocket in favor of the larger, fully reusable launch system.
The final Falcon 9 Starlink flight from Florida’s Space Coast took place on August 25. This mission concluded a seven-year launch campaign that deployed the majority of the Starlink network. Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX vice president of launch, confirmed the transition marks the end of an era for East Coast Starlink missions.
Falcon 9 will continue to launch Starlink satellites from California. The rocket also remains operational in Florida for NASA crewed flights and national security payloads. It will continue to support other commercial missions alongside the Starship transition.