Space launches today bring two rockets to the skies! SpaceX continues its Starlink expansion while China adds to its busy launch schedule.
Launches
Agencies
Countries
Falcon 9 — Starlink Group 17-37
| Agency | SpaceX |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 |
| Payload | Communications – 24 Starlink satellites |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Site | Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA |
| Time (UTC) | 14:00 |
| Status | GO – All systems ready for launch |
This mission adds 24 more satellites to SpaceX’s massive Starlink internet constellation. According to NASASpaceflight, SpaceX is beginning to build a new shell for its Starlink constellation with this launch. The satellites will join thousands of others already providing high-speed internet across the globe.
SpaceX continues its incredible launch pace in 2026. The mission launches from Vandenberg on the West Coast, which is perfect for reaching polar and sun-synchronous orbits where many Starlink satellites operate.
Booster
First stage B1100 makes its 6th flight after a quick 33-day turnaround. The booster will attempt its 6th landing on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean.
Long March 7A — Unknown Payload
| Agency | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation |
| Rocket | Long March 7A |
| Payload | Unknown mission type and details |
| Orbit | Unknown |
| Launch Site | Pad 201, Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China |
| Time (UTC) | 16:15 |
| Status | GO – Scheduled for launch |
China keeps details secret about this Long March 7A mission. The rocket has a good track record with 13 successful launches out of 14 total attempts. China often launches classified military satellites or experimental payloads without sharing mission details ahead of time.
The Long March 7A launches from China’s newest spaceport in Hainan Province. This tropical launch site gives China better access to many different orbits compared to their inland facilities.
What to Watch For
- SpaceX’s continued rapid launch pace as they build out new Starlink orbital shells
- The successful 6th flight of Falcon 9 booster B1100 and its ocean landing attempt
- What China’s mysterious Long March 7A payload might reveal after launch
Today’s space launches highlight the busy commercial space age we live in. SpaceX keeps expanding global internet access while China maintains its steady launch schedule with both open and classified missions.
Sources & Credibility
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82/100
Launch Roundup: SpaceX to start new Starlink shell; China, Russia to launch unknown payloads
— 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 (-) -
82/100
Launch Roundup: SpaceX on pace to hit 100 launches in 2023, Soyuz to launch Bars-M
— 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 (-) -
82/100
Launch Roundup: Rocket Lab conducts Electron reuse attempt, SpaceX flies two Starlink v2 missions
— 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 (-) -
100/100
SpaceX
— SpaceX · Launch Provider · Official launch provider information
Scoring factors: Primary source (+); Official launch provider (+); Direct mission information (+)