SpaceX is ready to continue expanding its internet constellation tonight with a Falcon 9 launch from California. While NASA’s Artemis II crew prepares for their historic lunar flyby, space launches today include another batch of Starlink satellites heading to orbit.
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Falcon 9 — Starlink Group 17-35
| Agency | SpaceX |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 |
| Payload | Communications — 25 Starlink internet satellites |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Site | Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA |
| Time (UTC) | April 6, 2026 at 23:03 |
| Status | GO — Weather and systems are ready for launch |
Tonight’s rocket launch continues SpaceX’s massive effort to build the world’s largest satellite internet network. The Starlink program now has thousands of satellites providing high-speed internet to remote areas around the globe.
This mission uses a brand-new Falcon 9 booster that will attempt its first landing. According to SpaceX, the booster will target the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean after launch.
Booster
This is the maiden flight for booster B1103. The first stage will attempt to land on the autonomous spaceport drone ship after separating from the upper stage.
What to Watch For
- The first flight and landing attempt of a new Falcon 9 booster
- Another 25 satellites joining the growing Starlink constellation
- A late-night launch from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base
As the Artemis II astronauts race toward their lunar flyby tomorrow, tonight’s launch schedule keeps the space industry busy with commercial missions. The combination of human spaceflight milestones and satellite deployments shows how active space has become in 2026.
Sources & Credibility
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100/100
SpaceX
— SpaceX · Launch Provider · Official SpaceX launch information
Scoring factors: Primary mission authority (+); Company-controlled information (+); Direct operational control (+) -
89/100
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— SpaceNews · Space Journalism · Leading space industry trade publication since 1989
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88/100
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— Spaceflight Now · Space Journalism · Veteran spaceflight journalism outlet — detailed launch coverage since 1999
Scoring factors: 25+ year track record (+); Dedicated launch correspondents (+); Technical depth (+); Independent editorial (+)