SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 at 6:04 a.m. on May 21, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket produced a striking 'jellyfish' visual during ascent, visible to observers near the launch site. The mission, part of the Starlink 10-31 batch, aimed to expand global broadband coverage. The Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron reported a 90% chance of clear conditions for the predawn launch, though afternoon rain remained possible inland.
The Falcon 9 booster, set to complete its 28th flight, landed on the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean. The rocket’s first stage had previously supported multiple Starlink missions, highlighting SpaceX’s reusable technology. The 29 satellites deployed into low-Earth orbit will join thousands already in service, enhancing Starlink’s network capacity.
Photographer Craig Bailey captured video of the liftoff, showing the rocket’s bright plume against the predawn sky. The launch occurred nearly a half-hour before sunrise, with minimal disruption to local residents. SpaceX crews conducted final checks hours earlier, confirming systems were nominal.
This mission follows a series of Starlink launches from Brevard County, which has become a key hub for commercial space activity. The 40-year-old Launch Complex 40, managed by the Space Force, has hosted over 50 launches since 2017. SpaceX plans additional Starlink missions this year, with officials targeting 10 more launches from Florida by year-end.