NEWS — SpaceX RSS

The Falcon 9 Crew-12 Launch Delay illustrates the interplay between cutting-edge technology and the unpredictable forces of nature. While mission teams remain confident in the capabilities of the Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon spacecraft, and supporting systems, weather remains the paramount determinant of launch timing when human lives are at stake. As NASA and SpaceX refine their assessments, the new target date of February 12, 2026, stands as the next major milestone in this critical mission to sustain operations aboard the International Space Station.

The SpaceX Stargaze SSA system uses space-based observational data to provide real-time space situational awareness and conjunction warnings to satellite operators. By offering ephemeris sharing and conjunction data free of charge, Stargaze encourages collaboration to reduce collision risk in low Earth orbit and supports safer orbital operations as satellite traffic increases.

SpaceX Booster 19 prelaunch testing is underway as SpaceX prepares its next Block 3 Super Heavy booster for a potential flight in early to mid-March 2026. Booster 19 will support the debut of the Starship Version 3 architecture, featuring new Raptor 3 engines and design improvements. Prelaunch testing — including cryogenic measurements and static firings — is crucial for validating performance ahead of a major test flight, likely part of the Starship Flight 12 campaign.

The SpaceX Stargaze SSA system is a new space situational awareness platform that uses data from star trackers on Starlink satellites to detect orbital objects and provide real-time conjunction screening. By offering this conjunction data free of charge to satellite operators who share their ephemeris data, SpaceX aims to improve safety across low Earth orbit and encourage broader collaboration toward ephemeris sharing and safe flight practices.

On January 18, 2026, Falcon 9 launches 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida aboard the Starlink Group 6-100 mission, further expanding SpaceX’s satellite broadband constellation. The rocket’s first stage landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas, and the deployed satellites will enhance global internet connectivity, including services in remote and underserved regions.