SpaceX plans to launch its first rocket of 2026 from Florida’s Space Coast early Sunday, according to the company’s public tracking site. The launch is expected to take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, a site historically used for Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. This will be the first SpaceX flight from Florida since December’s Starlink mission, which deployed 52 satellites into orbit.
The exact time of liftoff has not been officially confirmed, but SpaceX typically provides updates within 24 hours of a scheduled launch. If successful, the mission will mark the 10th launch of the year from Florida and the 150th overall for the company since 2008. The rocket is expected to carry a payload for a commercial customer, though details remain classified under a launch agreement with the U.S. government.
Local officials have expressed support for the continued use of Florida’s infrastructure for space missions. “Brevard County’s economy is tied to these launches,” said County Commissioner Chuck Herrer, who represents the area around Kennedy Space Center. “Every mission brings jobs, tax revenue, and keeps our community connected to the space industry.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to view the launch from public areas along the Space Coast, including Cocoa Beach, Titusville, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. SpaceX does not typically offer live commentary for commercial launches, but the company’s website will provide real-time tracking updates. The mission follows a busy 2025 for SpaceX, which conducted 39 launches globally, including 14 from Florida.
This launch comes as SpaceX prepares for a series of missions in 2026, including crewed flights to the International Space Station and the first test of its Starship spacecraft for lunar landings. The company has not yet announced specific dates for those efforts, but officials have said they aim to increase the frequency of launches from Florida in the coming years.