VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — Private aerospace firm SpaceX marked a major operational milestone on Friday, November 28, 2025, successfully launching its Transporter-15 rideshare mission while simultaneously achieving a new record for rocket reusability.
A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 10:44 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying a packed manifest of 140 payloads into a sun-synchronous orbit.
The mission included a variety of cubesats, microsats, and hosted payloads, solidifying the Transporter program’s role as a cost-effective platform for small satellite operators worldwide.
The star of the show was the rocket’s first-stage booster, which executed its 30th flight before successfully landing on the drone ship, “Of Course I Still Love You,” stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This landing sets a new benchmark for the rapid and sustained reusability of orbital-class launch vehicles.
With the successful deployment of the Transporter-15 payloads, SpaceX confirmed a significant program achievement: the company’s rideshare initiatives have now collectively delivered more than 1,400 total payloads to orbit, further demonstrating the growing accessibility of space for global customers. (Xinhua)