SpaceX launched 30 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:14 a.m. ET on Friday. The mission, designated Starlink 10-39, followed a scrubbed attempt the day before when a Falcon 9 rocket was set to lift off at 11:38 a.m. ET. The company did not specify the reason for the Thursday delay but cited weather as a key factor. The 45th Weather Squadron had given a 20 to 50% chance of weather-related issues on Thursday, with cumulus clouds, anvil clouds, and surface electric field rules as primary concerns. On Friday, the risk increased to 15 to 55% due to similar conditions.
The successful launch marked the 30th mission for Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1078. The booster has previously supported multiple Starlink missions and a crewed flight to the International Space Station. The rocket’s second stage deployed the satellites into low-Earth orbit, where they will expand SpaceX’s global broadband network. This mission is part of a series of launches aimed at maintaining and growing the Starlink constellation, which now includes hundreds of satellites providing internet services worldwide.
SpaceX’s launch team had a narrow window for Friday’s attempt, with liftoff opening at 10:57 a.m. ET and closing at 2:57 p.m. ET. The company typically delays launches when weather conditions pose a risk to the rocket or crew, though no crew was on board for this mission. The scrubbed Thursday attempt was the first time SpaceX had to cancel a Starlink launch since early 2025, according to internal records.
The Starlink 10-39 mission is one of several planned in 2026 to deploy thousands of satellites as part of SpaceX’s effort to achieve global broadband coverage. The company has also announced plans for additional launches from Cape Canaveral and other sites in the coming months. Local officials have welcomed the activity, noting the economic and technological benefits of SpaceX’s operations in Brevard County.