SpaceX was set to launch its 75th Starlink mission of the year Thursday, carrying 29 broadband satellites on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
What Happened
The Starlink 10-39 mission was scheduled to lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 at 11:38 a.m. EDT (1538 UTC). The flight included the 2,000th Starlink satellite launched in 2026 as part of the company's expanding low Earth orbit constellation. Falcon 9 first-stage booster B1078 was assigned to the mission for its 30th flight, making it the sixth SpaceX booster to reach that milestone. About 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1078 was planned to land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed in the Atlantic off South Carolina. The 45th Weather Squadron forecast an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions at the opening of the window, with chances dropping to 40 percent as the window progressed due to potential showers and storms along the sea breeze.
Why It Matters
The mission highlights SpaceX's continued acceleration of Starlink deployment, adding to a constellation that serves broadband customers worldwide. Reaching the 2,000th satellite launched in 2026 underscores how quickly the company is scaling its network. Booster B1078 joining the group of six boosters with 30 flights reflects SpaceX's push to maximize reusability and reduce launch costs. A successful landing would mark the 164th landing on A Shortfall of Gravitas and the 652nd Falcon booster landing overall for the company.
The Bottom Line
SpaceX was targeting its 75th Starlink mission of 2026 from SLC-40, with liftoff scheduled at 11:38 a.m. EDT, adding 29 satellites including the 2,000th launched this year. Booster B1078 was slated to attempt its 30th landing on A Shortfall of Gravitas.