Japan and SpaceX kicked off Thursday with two successful space launches today! Both rockets lifted off within minutes of each other, delivering satellites to orbit from opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean.
Launches
Agencies
Countries
Electron — Kakushin Rising (JAXA Rideshare)
| Agency | Rocket Lab |
| Rocket | KAIROS |
| Payload | Technology demonstration — Eight small satellites for education and research |
| Orbit | Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
| Launch Site | Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand |
| Time (UTC) | 03:09 |
| Status | Success — All satellites deployed successfully |
This mission rescued eight Japanese satellites that were originally planned to fly on the delayed Epsilon-S rocket. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) needed a new ride after test firing failures grounded their new rocket.
The satellites include amazing origami technology! OrigamiSat-2 carries a deployable antenna that folds up tiny and then unfurls to 25 times its original size in space. Other satellites will monitor oceans, test ultra-small cameras, and help students learn about space.
Falcon 9 — Starlink Group 17-14
| Agency | SpaceX |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 v1.1 Block 5 |
| Payload | Communications — 24 Starlink internet satellites |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Site | Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA |
| Time (UTC) | 03:23 |
| Status | Success — Satellites deployed, booster landed |
SpaceX added 24 more satellites to their Starlink internet network with this routine launch from California. According to Spaceflight Now, this was the company’s 40th launch of 2026. The mission helps expand internet coverage for remote areas around the world.
The launch used polar and sun-synchronous orbits from Vandenberg, which gives better coverage for northern regions. This keeps SpaceX on track for their aggressive launch schedule this year.
Booster
B1100 completed its fifth flight and landed successfully on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You.” The booster had a quick 33-day turnaround since its last mission on March 20th.
What to Watch For
- Japan’s space program shows flexibility by switching to commercial rockets when government rockets face delays
- SpaceX continues their rapid launch pace with 40 missions already completed this year
- Origami technology in space could change how we design future satellites and antennas
Today’s rocket launches showcase the global nature of the space industry, with American companies helping Japanese missions reach orbit. Both successful missions keep the momentum going for what’s shaping up to be a record-breaking year for space launches.
Sources & Credibility
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98/100
SpaceX Official Starlink Group 17-14 Page
— SpaceX · Launch Provider · Official SpaceX mission page
Scoring factors: Primary mission authority (+); Real-time data (+); Official launch provider (+) -
88/100
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 25 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB
— 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 (+)