SpaceX launched 27 more Starlink broadband satellites to orbit on August 26, continuing the rapid deployment of its megaconstellation with a predawn liftoff from California's central coast.
What Happened
The spacecraft rode atop a Falcon 9 rocket that lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 5:35 a.m. EDT (0935 GMT; 2:35 a.m. local California time). The rocket's first stage returned to Earth as planned about 8.5 minutes later, landing on the SpaceX droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean. It was the 24th flight for booster B1082. The upper stage deployed the 27 satellites into low Earth orbit approximately 62 minutes after launch.
Why It Matters
The Starlink network now consists of more than 11,000 active spacecraft, making it by far the largest satellite constellation ever assembled. SpaceX announced on August 25 that Vandenberg will be the only Falcon 9 Starlink launch site going forward—the company is pausing Florida Starlink missions until they can be performed by its Starship megarocket, which remains in development. The shift could affect deployment cadence while the company transitions orbital Starlink operations to the larger vehicle.
The Bottom Line
The Falcon 9 has flown 101 times so far in 2026, with 78 of those missions dedicated to Starlink deployments. The workhorse rocket is on pace for approximately 155 flights this year, just short of its record of 165 set in 2025.