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SpaceX launch today
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
SpaceX launched 27 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg on Aug 22, 2026, the 100th Falcon mission of.
This milestone underscores SpaceX's rapid launch cadence and expanding megaconstellation.
Background
SpaceX has been conducting frequent Starlink launches to build out its satellite internet constellation, which now exceeds 11,000 operational spacecraft. The Aug 22 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base was the 99th Falcon 9 flight of 2026 and the 100th Falcon mission overall, including a Falcon Heavy flight earlier in April. This rapid cadence reflects SpaceX's dominance in commercial spaceflight and its focus on expanding global broadband coverage.
How it unfolded
- Aug 18, 2026SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg carrying Starlink satellites, with liftoff at 8:45 p.m. PDT. The booster landed on a drone ship in the Pacific.
- Aug 20, 2026A planned Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral was scrubbed for reasons not immediately clear.
- Aug 21, 2026SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral at 11:14 a.m. EDT, marking the 98th Falcon 9 flight of the year.
- Aug 22, 2026SpaceX launched 27 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg at 12:25 a.m. PT, achieving the 100th Falcon mission of 2026.
Who’s saying what
- SpaceX
- SpaceX emphasizes the reusability of its boosters and the importance of Starlink for global internet coverage.