A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 11:04 a.m. Friday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 carrying 29 Starlink satellites. Among them was the 2,000th satellite launched this year, marking a key milestone in the company’s effort to provide global broadband coverage. The mission, designated Starlink 10-39, followed an aborted attempt the previous day when the countdown was halted under 30 seconds. SpaceX did not specify the reason for the abort but rescheduled the launch within 24 hours.
This was the 75th Starlink mission of 2026, with launches conducted from both Florida and California. The 29 satellites added to the constellation bring the total number of Starlink satellites launched since 2019 to nearly 12,800. As of now, about 10,000 of those satellites remain operational, according to data tracked by astronomer Jonathan McDowell. The Starlink network aims to provide internet access to underserved regions worldwide, with SpaceX planning to expand the constellation further in coming years.
The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster for this mission was previously used in earlier Starlink launches, highlighting SpaceX’s focus on reusability to reduce costs. The rocket’s second stage deployed the satellites into low Earth orbit, where they will begin transmitting data once their solar arrays unfold. SpaceX has not disclosed specific details about the satellites’ capabilities for this mission, but the company regularly updates the public on Starlink’s progress through its website and social media.
Launches from Cape Canaveral have become a regular part of life for residents on the Space Coast, with SpaceX conducting multiple missions each month. The Starlink program has faced some criticism from astronomers concerned about satellite constellations interfering with observations, but SpaceX has worked with the astronomy community to address concerns through software updates and orbital adjustments.