A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 6, 2026, marking the 80th Starlink mission of the year. The launch occurred at 7:26 a.m. PDT (10:26 a.m. EDT / 1426 UTC), deploying a total of 27 Starlink satellites into orbit.
This mission utilized the Falcon 9 first stage booster designated B1088, which has now completed its 19th flight. B1088 has previously supported three national security missions, Transporter-12, NASA’s SPHEREx, and 13 batches of Starlink satellites. Approximately 8.5 minutes post-launch, the booster successfully landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. This landing marked the 223rd successful recovery on this vessel and the 659th overall for Falcon boosters.
Shifting Launch Strategies
The Starlink 15-24 mission is notable as it is the third launch since SpaceX announced a strategic shift in its operations. The company has decided to cease launching its broadband internet satellites from Florida using the Falcon 9 rocket. According to Kiko Dontchev, Vice President for Launch at SpaceX, “From here on, Starlink missions out of Florida will fly on Starship.”
SpaceX is currently constructing three Starship launch towers in Florida, with one located at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and two at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The company aims to conduct its first Starship mission from Florida before the end of the year.
Future Launches and Testing
In addition to the Starlink missions, SpaceX is preparing for its first orbital launch of the Starship, which stands over 400 feet tall and will be launched from Starbase, Texas. The company has completed a series of static fire tests, including single-engine and six-engine tests for Ship 41, as well as a 33-engine static fire test for Booster 21, both of which are slated for the upcoming Starship Flight 14. While a specific launch date has not yet been confirmed, hazard warnings for aviators and mariners indicate that the mission may occur no earlier than September 15.
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