Get ready for an exciting day of space launches today! Saturday brings us two very different missions — SpaceX continues building its Starlink internet constellation while China launches a mystery payload.
Launches
Agencies
Countries
Falcon 9 — Starlink Group 17-41
| Agency | SpaceX |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 |
| Payload | Communications — 24 Starlink internet satellites |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Site | Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA |
| Time (UTC) | 15:25 |
| Status | GO — all systems ready for launch |
SpaceX is launching 24 more satellites for its Starlink internet network. This mission will help expand high-speed internet coverage to remote areas around the world.
The launch comes as SpaceX continues its record-breaking pace in 2026. According to NASASpaceflight, the company is working to build new orbital “shells” for its constellation.
Booster
This mission uses veteran booster B1082 for its 22nd flight. The booster last flew just 45 days ago and will attempt another landing on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You.”
Long March 2D — Unknown Payload
| Agency | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation |
| Rocket | Long March 2D |
| Payload | Unknown — details not revealed |
| Orbit | Unknown |
| Launch Site | Launch Complex 3, Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China |
| Time (UTC) | 18:07 |
| Status | GO — ready for launch |
China is launching a mystery payload on its reliable Long March 2D rocket. The mission details remain secret, which is common for some Chinese military or experimental satellites.
The Long March 2D has an impressive track record with 98 successful launches out of 99 attempts. This workhorse rocket has been launching satellites since 1992 and continues to be a key part of China’s space program.
What to Watch For
- SpaceX’s B1082 booster attempting its 22nd flight — a testament to reusable rocket technology
- China’s continued secrecy around military and experimental satellites
- Both launches happening within hours of each other on Saturday
Today’s rocket launches showcase the different approaches to space access around the world. SpaceX continues its rapid reuse strategy while China maintains steady progress with traditional expendable rockets.
Sources & Credibility
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100/100
SpaceX
— SpaceX · Launch Provider · Official SpaceX launch information
Scoring factors: Government accountability (+); Official mission authority (+); Primary source for all SpaceX programs (+) -
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 (-)