Two exciting space launches today are lighting up the skies! Friday’s schedule features a space launches today lineup that spans from New Zealand to Texas, showcasing cutting-edge Earth imaging and the next generation of rocket technology.
Launches
Agencies
Countries
Electron — Viva La StriX (StriX Launch 9)
| Agency | Rocket Lab |
| Rocket | Electron |
| Payload | Earth Science satellite for Synspective |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Site | Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand |
| Time (UTC) | 09:30 |
| Status | GO — cleared for launch |
Rocket Lab continues its impressive run with the ninth StriX satellite launch. This mission carries a synthetic aperture radar satellite for Japanese company Synspective, which specializes in Earth imaging and monitoring.
The Electron rocket has become a workhorse for small satellite launches, with 83 successful missions out of 87 total attempts. This reliability makes it perfect for commercial Earth observation missions like today’s launch. The StriX satellites help monitor disasters, urban development, and environmental changes from space.
Starship — Flight 12
| Agency | SpaceX |
| Rocket | Starship V3 |
| Payload | Test flight with Starlink simulators and modified satellites |
| Orbit | Suborbital |
| Launch Site | Orbital Launch Pad 2, SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA |
| Time (UTC) | 22:30 |
| Status | TBC — to be confirmed pending final checks |
Today marks a historic moment as SpaceX prepares to launch the first Starship V3 vehicle. According to NASASpaceflight, this represents seven years of Raptor engine development finally coming together in the most advanced Starship yet.
Flight 12 will test multiple groundbreaking technologies simultaneously. The mission includes deploying 20 Starlink simulators and two specially modified Starlink satellites that will scan Starship’s heat shield during reentry. Some tiles have been intentionally painted white or removed to test the vehicle’s limits and imaging capabilities.
The SpaceX mission will also attempt a single Raptor engine relight in space and perform aggressive maneuvers to test the structural limits of the rear flaps. These tests help prepare for future missions that will return to Starbase rather than splashing down in the ocean.
Booster
Booster 19 will make its maiden flight, attempting a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico
What to Watch For
- First flight of Starship V3 technology with significant upgrades for rapid reuse
- Multiple live streams available for the Starship test flight, including SpaceX’s official coverage
- Heat shield imaging test that could revolutionize how SpaceX monitors vehicle health
Today’s rocket launch schedule showcases the diversity of modern spaceflight, from reliable commercial missions to cutting-edge technology demonstrations that will shape the future of space exploration.
Sources & Credibility
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100/100
SpaceX
— SpaceX · Launch Provider · Official SpaceX mission page
Scoring factors: Government accountability (+); Peer-reviewed data (+); Official mission authority (+); Taxpayer-funded transparency requirements (+); Primary source for all NASA programs (+) -
100/100
Viva La StriX
— Rocket Lab · Launch Provider · Official mission page
Scoring factors: Government accountability (+); Peer-reviewed data (+); Official mission authority (+); Taxpayer-funded transparency requirements (+); Primary source for all NASA programs (+) -
82/100
Starship Flight 12: Welcome to the Show Block 3 and Pad 2
— NASASpaceflight · Space Journalism · Independent spaceflight news community (not affiliated with NASA)
Scoring factors: Independent editorial (+); 20+ year track record (+); Community-driven, not government (-); Strong technical depth (+); Sometimes speculative on insider info (-)