Quote from: eeergo on 12/31/2025 09:20 amNow Saturday UTC (guess it's still Friday local, SpaceX's own site says TBD)The SpaceX site finally got updated.
Now Saturday UTC (guess it's still Friday local, SpaceX's own site says TBD)
SpaceX is targeting Friday, January 2 for a Falcon 9 launch of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation mission for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 6:09 p.m. PT.
FALCON 9The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on January 4 at 12:00-3:17 a.m. EST. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on January 7 at 1:55-5:55 p.m. EST. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on January 10 at 1:34-5:34 p.m. EST. A Falcon 9 will launch BlueBird 7 for AST SpaceMobile from pad 40 on January TBD. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches.VULCAN & ATLAS VThe next United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket will launch USSF-87 for the U.S. Space Force on TBD.NEW GLENNThe third flight of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is TBD.SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEMThe Artemis II mission, carrying four astronauts on the first crewed mission around the moon since 1972 and the second launch of the SLS rocket, is scheduled for February 6 around 9:45 p.m. EST.
January 10, 2026 18:34 - 22:34 UTCStarlink MissionSpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 29 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
CSG-3Liftoff Time (UTC)02:09:19Saturday January 3, 2026
https://pandorasat.com/QuoteWe have a launch date 🚀! Pandora is launching early January 2026! See nextspaceflight.com for more information.We will also be at the AAS 247th in Phoenix! 🎉 [takes place Jan 4-8]
We have a launch date 🚀! Pandora is launching early January 2026! See nextspaceflight.com for more information.We will also be at the AAS 247th in Phoenix! 🎉 [takes place Jan 4-8]
https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html , updated December 31:QuoteThe next United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket will launch USSF-87 for the U.S. Space Force on TBD.
The next United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket will launch USSF-87 for the U.S. Space Force on TBD.
2183-EX-ST-2025 [Dec 23]QuoteThe overall goal of the TROOP-F3 mission, to do on orbit testing of the IRIDIUM 9704 modem.The satellite will be launched as a secondary payload aboard Transporter 16, from Vandenburg Airforce Base, launching no earlier than March 15, 2026. It will be inserted into an orbit at 510 km apogee and 510 km perigee, on an inclination from the equator of 98 degrees. Transmission will begin 90 minutes after deploy, and cease at the end of the mission 6 months later. Atmospheric friction will slow the satellite and reduce the altitude of the orbit, until de-orbiting occurs 2.9 years after launch. See the Orbital Debris Assessment Report for details. The spacecraft is a single unit with the dimensions of CubeSat module (giving an overall dimension of 10 cm X 10 cm X 15.9 cm.) The total mass is about 1.3 Kg.TROOP MissionsQuoteTrain Rapid On Payload (TROOP) is hosted payload program launching on commercial launch providers every 3 to 6 months. Each TROOP offers four (4x) payload slots that allow customers quick and regular access to orbit.TROOP-F2 previously launched on Transporter-11 with SEOP.
The overall goal of the TROOP-F3 mission, to do on orbit testing of the IRIDIUM 9704 modem.The satellite will be launched as a secondary payload aboard Transporter 16, from Vandenburg Airforce Base, launching no earlier than March 15, 2026. It will be inserted into an orbit at 510 km apogee and 510 km perigee, on an inclination from the equator of 98 degrees. Transmission will begin 90 minutes after deploy, and cease at the end of the mission 6 months later. Atmospheric friction will slow the satellite and reduce the altitude of the orbit, until de-orbiting occurs 2.9 years after launch. See the Orbital Debris Assessment Report for details. The spacecraft is a single unit with the dimensions of CubeSat module (giving an overall dimension of 10 cm X 10 cm X 15.9 cm.) The total mass is about 1.3 Kg.
Train Rapid On Payload (TROOP) is hosted payload program launching on commercial launch providers every 3 to 6 months. Each TROOP offers four (4x) payload slots that allow customers quick and regular access to orbit.
Vulcan to launch USSF-87A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket will deliver national security spacecraft directly to geosynchronous orbit for the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command on the USSF-87 mission. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.Launch Date: to be announcedGO Vulcan! GO Centaur! GO USSF-87!
SpaceX/Twilight (Pandora & Others)Liftoff Time No Earlier Than January, 2026...Pandora...HyMSSpire Global's Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder (HyMS) satellite demonstrator...MINAS(LEMUR-2)Spire Global will launch 8 Lemur-2 "MINAS" satellites for the "Luxembourg satellite system". The satellites are nicknamed WOBLER, HCS-BAZUS, FIKRETDENGIZ, KATE, SONNENBLUME, GRAM-E-SUE, CALLUM-K-J & MARIO-SOUSA...Kepler Tranche 1
See photo for data
Quote🇩🇪 Go German New Space: Exolaunch is set to deploy @DCUBEDspace's Dcubed-1 / Araqys-D1, the satellite aiming to be the first that manufactures in free space, on the upcoming @SpaceX Twilight mission scheduled for NET January 2026 🚀https://twitter.com/Exolaunch/status/2001590172719222896
🇩🇪 Go German New Space: Exolaunch is set to deploy @DCUBEDspace's Dcubed-1 / Araqys-D1, the satellite aiming to be the first that manufactures in free space, on the upcoming @SpaceX Twilight mission scheduled for NET January 2026 🚀
Quote from: PM3 on 12/26/2025 08:24 amAs of September 2025. Then in November 2025, T-16 was scheduled for February and for March.Now - in December - Exlaunch says January 2026. It think this means that Dcubed-1 has been moved to the Twilight launch.QuoteARAQYS-D3 builds on two precursor missions that are already integrated and ready for launch on two separate SpaceX rideshare missions in Q1 2026ARAQYS-D1 is on Twilight, and ARAQYS-D2 is on Transporter-16.
As of September 2025. Then in November 2025, T-16 was scheduled for February and for March.Now - in December - Exlaunch says January 2026. It think this means that Dcubed-1 has been moved to the Twilight launch.
ARAQYS-D3 builds on two precursor missions that are already integrated and ready for launch on two separate SpaceX rideshare missions in Q1 2026
Previously ridesharing on the delayed TSIS-2 mission and could also be on this mission.Kepler Announces Launch Date for First Tranche of Optical Satellites [Nov 17]QuoteKepler Communications today announced it will launch ten 300-kilogram-class satellites for its optical data relay network aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, in Jan. 2026. The launch marks the beginning of Kepler’s next-generation operational constellation, designed to provide real-time connectivity, advanced on-orbit compute, and hosted payload services for government and commercial customers. Each satellite in the network is equipped with a minimum of four optical terminals, enabling high-throughput, low-latency laser links between space, air, and ground assets. The system is designed for compatibility with the U.S. Space Development Agency’s (SDA) optical communications standards, ensuring seamless connectivity across government and commercial space architectures. Operating as an IP-based mesh network, the constellation functions similarly to the terrestrial Internet by dynamically routing data between satellites to provide resilient, real-time connectivity between space and Earth. “Optical data relay is redefining how space systems communicate, operate, and deliver value,” said Mina Mitry, chief executive officer and co-founder of Kepler Communications. “It removes the high latency and bottlenecks of traditional RF links and allows our customers to move data continuously, securely, and at the speed of light. With real-time connectivity and advanced computing in orbit, operators can unlock new possibilities for defence and intelligence, real-time situational awareness, commercial innovation, and sustained human operations in space. Together, these advancements are creating the foundation for a truly connected space economy.” Kepler’s optical data relay network combines high-capacity communications with advanced on-orbit compute, enabling data to be processed and analyzed directly in space rather than waiting for downlink to Earth. Each node in the constellation supports distributed GPU and CPU processing and storage, creating a scalable, edge compute environment that brings cloud capability to orbit. By bringing data processing closer to the source, Kepler delivers faster insights. This integrated design supports real-time Earth observation analytics, autonomous mission operations, and AI-driven decision-making in orbit. The constellation features modular interfaces for hosted payloads, allowing customers to integrate sensors, hardware, or software directly onto Kepler’s platform and leverage the company’s optical infrastructure for real-time data relay and on-orbit processing. This approach provides a faster, more cost-effective path to orbit by eliminating the need for dedicated spacecraft or ground systems. Hosted payload customers gain immediate access to Kepler’s optical relay network and on-orbit compute, enabling real-time data processing, testing, and operations within an established SDA-compatible system.
Kepler Communications today announced it will launch ten 300-kilogram-class satellites for its optical data relay network aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, in Jan. 2026. The launch marks the beginning of Kepler’s next-generation operational constellation, designed to provide real-time connectivity, advanced on-orbit compute, and hosted payload services for government and commercial customers. Each satellite in the network is equipped with a minimum of four optical terminals, enabling high-throughput, low-latency laser links between space, air, and ground assets. The system is designed for compatibility with the U.S. Space Development Agency’s (SDA) optical communications standards, ensuring seamless connectivity across government and commercial space architectures. Operating as an IP-based mesh network, the constellation functions similarly to the terrestrial Internet by dynamically routing data between satellites to provide resilient, real-time connectivity between space and Earth. “Optical data relay is redefining how space systems communicate, operate, and deliver value,” said Mina Mitry, chief executive officer and co-founder of Kepler Communications. “It removes the high latency and bottlenecks of traditional RF links and allows our customers to move data continuously, securely, and at the speed of light. With real-time connectivity and advanced computing in orbit, operators can unlock new possibilities for defence and intelligence, real-time situational awareness, commercial innovation, and sustained human operations in space. Together, these advancements are creating the foundation for a truly connected space economy.” Kepler’s optical data relay network combines high-capacity communications with advanced on-orbit compute, enabling data to be processed and analyzed directly in space rather than waiting for downlink to Earth. Each node in the constellation supports distributed GPU and CPU processing and storage, creating a scalable, edge compute environment that brings cloud capability to orbit. By bringing data processing closer to the source, Kepler delivers faster insights. This integrated design supports real-time Earth observation analytics, autonomous mission operations, and AI-driven decision-making in orbit. The constellation features modular interfaces for hosted payloads, allowing customers to integrate sensors, hardware, or software directly onto Kepler’s platform and leverage the company’s optical infrastructure for real-time data relay and on-orbit processing. This approach provides a faster, more cost-effective path to orbit by eliminating the need for dedicated spacecraft or ground systems. Hosted payload customers gain immediate access to Kepler’s optical relay network and on-orbit compute, enabling real-time data processing, testing, and operations within an established SDA-compatible system.
January 14, 2026Starlink MissionSpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 29 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the X TV app.This will be the 13th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-9, RRT-1, Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1, Fram2, SXM-10, MTG-S1, and six Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Thread for the Starlink Group 6-98 launch.Launch 14 January 2026, at 18:01 UTC (1:01 pm EST), from CCSFS SLC-40, on booster 1085-13. The first stage will attempt to land aboard A Shortfall of Gravitas.Payload 29 Starlink V2.0 Mini satellites, to a 43 degrees inclination orbit on a southeastern trajectory. Initial orbit nnn x nnn km.Please use the Starlink Discussion Thread for all general discussion on Starlink.Check the Starlink Index Thread for links to more Starlink information.L2 SpaceX: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=60.0
Mission has appeared on https://www.cadenaois.org/vpublic_anspdetail.jsp?view=15. Launch is scheduled for NET January 11th at 13:09 UTC. Hazard area's indicate the first stage will land on LZ-4.QuotePrimary Launch Day 11 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 12 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 13 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 14 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 15 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 16 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 17 JAN 1309Z-1509Z
Primary Launch Day 11 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 12 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 13 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 14 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 15 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 16 JAN 1309Z-1509ZBackup Launch Day 17 JAN 1309Z-1509Z
William Harwood @cbs_spacenewsF9/CosmoSkyMed: SpaceX finally launched Italy's Cosmo Skymed 3 radar imaging satellite from California Friday evening; liftoff from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base came at 9:09pm EST (0209 UTC)
William Harwood @cbs_spacenewsF9/CosmoSkyMed: 1st stage landing confirmed; this was SpaceX's 31st California landing and its 554th overall
William Harwood @cbs_spacenewsF9/CosmoSkyMed: Cosmo Skymed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) deploy confirmed; the satellite is the 3rd in a series of dual-use Earth observation radar imaging spacecraft managed by the Italian Space Agency and Italy's Ministry of Defense
SpaceX/CSG-3Launch SuccessLiftoff Time (UTC)02:09:16 AMSaturday January 3, 2026
Starlink G6-88 Pre-LaunchDerived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-88 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.Launch: 2026-01-04 05:00:10 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:05:10.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:00:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:00:19 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #1Launch: 2026-01-04 05:14:00 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:19:00.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:14:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:15:29 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #2Launch: 2026-01-04 05:15:30 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:20:30.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:15:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:19:59 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #3Launch: 2026-01-04 05:21:00 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:26:00.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:21:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:29:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #4Launch: 2026-01-04 05:29:50 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:34:50.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:29:50 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:44:09 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #5Launch: 2026-01-04 05:44:10 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:49:10.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:44:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:55:09 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #6Launch: 2026-01-04 05:56:00 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:01:00.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:56:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:58:29 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #7Launch: 2026-01-04 05:58:30 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:03:30.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:58:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:07:19 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #8Launch: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:18:30.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:21:59 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #9Launch: 2026-01-04 06:27:30 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:32:30.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:27:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:34:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #10Launch: 2026-01-04 06:48:10 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:53:10.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:48:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:54:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #11Launch: 2026-01-04 06:55:40 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:00:40.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:55:40 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:09:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #12Launch: 2026-01-04 07:09:50 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:14:50.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:09:50 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:24:09 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #13Launch: 2026-01-04 07:24:10 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:29:10.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:24:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:38:19 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #14Launch: 2026-01-04 07:38:20 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:43:20.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:38:20 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:40:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #15Launch: 2026-01-04 07:47:20 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:52:20.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:47:20 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:52:39 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #16Launch: 2026-01-04 07:52:40 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:57:40.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:52:40 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:55:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #17Launch: 2026-01-04 08:01:20 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 09:06:20.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 08:01:20 UTC to 2026-01-04 08:06:59 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #18Launch: 2026-01-04 08:07:00 UTC.Deploy: 2026-01-04 09:12:00.120 UTC.Launch window: 2026-01-04 08:07:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 08:10:29 UTC.
January 8, 2026 18:29 - 22:29 UTСStarlink MissionSpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 29 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
