SpaceX launched the Starlink 10-39 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:14 a.m. ET on Friday, August 20, 2026, after scrubbing the initial attempt the day before. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off within a launch window that opened at 10:57 a.m. ET and was scheduled to close at 2:57 p.m. ET. This marked the 30th flight of the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, B1078, which has previously deployed Starlink satellites and supported a crewed mission to the International Space Station.
The Thursday launch was scrubbed just seconds before the 11:38 a.m. ET liftoff. SpaceX did not specify the exact reason for the delay, but the 45th Weather Squadron had warned of a 20–50% chance of weather-related issues on Thursday. Concerns included cumulus clouds, anvil clouds, and surface electric field rules. On Friday, the weather squadron reported a 15–55% chance of similar constraints, with cumulus clouds, anvil clouds, and thick cloud layers remaining potential obstacles.
The successful Friday launch added to B1078’s record, which includes missions like Starlink 6-4, Starlink 10-2, and the Crew-6 mission. The booster’s longevity highlights SpaceX’s efforts to reuse hardware, a key factor in reducing costs for satellite deployments. The mission’s payload included nearly 30 Starlink satellites, which will expand broadband coverage globally.
SpaceX’s operations at Cape Canaveral have become a regular part of Brevard County’s landscape, with launches occurring frequently at the Space Force Station. The company’s ability to quickly reschedule missions after weather-related delays underscores its reliability in the space industry. No further details about the satellites’ specific functions or deployment timelines were released by SpaceX following the launch.