Launches & Spacecraft

When will SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket return to flight after 4 upper-stage issues in 19 months?

By Mike Wall published 6 February 26

For the fourth time in the last 19 months, the upper stage of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket experienced a problem during a mission. How long will the vehicle be grounded this time?

SpaceX Dragon arrives for Crew-12 launch | Space photo of the day for Feb. 6, 2026

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published 6 February 26

Crew-12's timeline has been unusually dynamic.

SpaceX grounds its Falcon 9 rocket after a problem with its upper stage. Will the Crew-12 astronaut mission be affected?

By Mike Wall published 3 February 26

SpaceX has temporarily grounded its Falcon 9 rocket after an upper stage failed to deorbit as planned during a Feb. 2 launch. Will the issue affect the company's Crew-12 astronaut mission?

Groundhog Day launch sends SpaceX Starlink satellites into Earth orbit from California (video)

By Robert Z. Pearlman published 2 February 26

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 25 Starlink satellites launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

Russian 'inspector' satellite appears to break apart in orbit, raising debris concerns

By Andrew Jones published 30 January 26

Ground-based observations suggest the former geostationary inspector satellite suffered a fragmentation event months after retirement, raising new concerns about debris in high Earth orbit.

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from two coasts in two days

By Robert Z. Pearlman published 30 January 26

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 25 Starlink satellites lifted off from California on Jan. 29, 2026. The company repeated the feat the next day with 29 satellites from Florida.

Rocket Lab launches Korean disaster-monitoring satellite after long delay

By Mike Wall last updated 30 January 26

Rocket Lab launched a South Korean disaster-monitoring satellite from New Zealand on Thursday (Jan. 29), about six weeks later than originally planned.

US government declassifies Cold War-era 'JUMPSEAT' spy satellites

By Mike Wall published 29 January 26

The National Reconnaissance Office just revealed the existence of its "JUMPSEAT" line of spy satellites, eight of which launched to Earth orbit between 1971 and 1987.

SpaceX targeting mid-March for 1st flight of bigger, more powerful Starship 'Version 3,' Elon Musk says

By Mike Wall published 28 January 26

SpaceX plans to launch the 12th test flight of its Starship megarocket in six weeks, according to Elon Musk. It will be the first mission of the bigger, more powerful Starship "V3."

Rocket Lab's 'Hungry Hippo' Neutron fairing arrives at spaceport in Virginia

By Josh Dinner published 28 January 26

The "hungry hippo" fairing for Rocket Lab's new Neutron launch vehicle has arrived for integration at the company's Virginia Spaceport facilities.