SpaceX Resumes Rocket Launches to Expand Global Satellite Internet Network
Vandenberg, Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
SpaceX launched 27 Starlink satellites on October 12, 2026, ending a three-week operational pause. The mission featured a reusable first-stage booster completing its 20th successful landing in the Pacific Ocean.
SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Launch Operations
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 27 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking the company’s first Falcon 9 mission in over three weeks [1][2]. The launch occurred on October 12, 2026, at 5:28 p.m. PDT, restoring orbital deployment momentum for the commercial space leader’s satellite internet megaconstellation [2][4]. This return to flight is a key driver of SpaceX’s growing valuation and expanding global broadband footprint following a pause in Starlink missions since September 19, 2026 [1][4].
Booster Reusability and Mission Specifics
The Falcon 9 first-stage booster, serial number B1088, completed its 20th flight and landing during this mission [2][4]. The booster touched down on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff [1][2]. The rocket’s upper stage successfully deployed the 27 spacecraft into Low Earth Orbit 62 minutes after the liftoff [1][4].
Constellation Growth and Flight Statistics
In 2026, this mission marked the 112th Falcon 9 liftoff of the year, with 82 of those supporting the Starlink constellation [1]. This indicates that Starlink missions account for 73.214 of Falcon 9 launches in 2026 thus far [1]. The Starlink megaconstellation currently operates more than 11,100 active satellites, according to company data [1][3].
Strategic Shift to Starship Vehicle
SpaceX intends to retire the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles in the coming years, transferring operations to the Starship vehicle [1]. The Starship is expected to eventually carry the entire Starlink V3 constellation of approximately 100,000 satellites [1]. CEO Elon Musk has stated that the Starlink V3 constellation will eventually consist of about 100,000 satellites, all of which will fly on Starship [1].
Launch Site and Trajectory Details
The mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base [2]. The rocket headed on a southerly trajectory along the California coast as it targeted an orbit inclined 70 degrees to the Equator [2]. Vandenberg Space Force Base is hosted by the United States Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 30 [4].
Market and Operational Context
The resumption of launches ends a launch drought for the Falcon 9 regarding Starlink missions [1]. Previously, between August 19, 2026, and September 6, 2026, SpaceX launched seven Starlink missions in 19 days [1]. This operational tempo highlights the reliance on the Falcon 9 platform prior to the full transition to Starship [1][3].