SpaceX Mission 10-38: A First-Person View of Orbital Deployment
SpaceX has released a rare, high-definition "first-person" perspective of its latest orbital expansion. Following the successful launch of the Starlink 10-38 mission on May 1, 2026, the company shared stunning footage captured by an onboard camera from one of the freshly deployed Starlink V2 Mini satellites.
The video provides a continuous look at the deployment process, often described as a "deck of cards" release. In the footage, the "train" of 29 satellites is seen drifting away from the Falcon 9 upper stage, silhouetted against the Earth’s limb. Viewers are treated to a full orbital cycle, witnessing the dramatic transition between orbital sunrise and sunset as the fleet begins its trek toward its final operational altitude.
Mission Highlights:
Launch Timing: The Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at 2:06 p.m. EDT.
The Hardware: These V2 Mini satellites are equipped with more powerful phased-array antennas and E-band backhaul, offering significantly higher data capacity than previous generations.
Sustainability: Following the successful separation, the Falcon 9 first-stage booster landed safely on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas, marking its 19th successful flight.
This footage highlights SpaceX’s push for transparency and visual engagement as it nears the goal of a fully global high-speed internet network.
Video from: @michaelnicollsx/X:
Stunning first-sat views from @Starlink launch G10-38 on May 1, deployed from @SpaceX's Falcon rocket. Watch as the Starlink sats cruise over an entire orbit, through sunrise and sunset, and slowly separate from each as they complete their post-launch deployment sequence before… pic.twitter.com/T7p1bvnQrC
— Michael Nicolls (@michaelnicollsx) May 5, 2026
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