SpaceX to Launch 100th Orbital Mission of 2026 from Vandenberg

SpaceX is set to launch its 100th orbital mission of 2026, known as Starlink 15-20, from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch is scheduled for 12:25 a.m. PDT, and it will add another 29 Starlink satellites to SpaceX's growing megaconstellation.

SpaceX has over 11,000 Starlink satellites in orbit.

What has been confirmed

The Starlink 15-20 mission is confirmed to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 12:25 a.m. PDT. This mission has been officially designated as SpaceX's 100th orbital mission this year and will add 29 satellites to the existing 11,000-plus in orbit. The Falcon 9 booster B1100 will be reused for the ninth time and will attempt a landing on the droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You.' If successful, it will be the 220th droneship landing and the 653rd Falcon booster landing overall.

Why it matters

For the US commercial aviation and aerospace sectors, this mission underscores SpaceX's significant role in expanding satellite internet capabilities and illustrates the reliability of reusable rocket technology. These advancements have implications for increased connectivity and reduced costs in space operations.

FlyMarshall context

SpaceX's consistent launch schedule reflects a broader trend in the aviation and aerospace industries towards more sustainable operations through reusability. As commercial airlines continue to focus on efficiency and fuel savings, the aerospace sector similarly prioritizes cost-effective reusable technologies, showcasing parallel advancements in these interconnected fields.

What happens next

The next steps involve monitoring the launch and subsequent deployment of the satellites. Should everything proceed as planned, SpaceX will continue with its planned expansion of the Starlink constellation, further enhancing its global satellite coverage.