NEWS — SpaceX RSS

SpaceX scrubbed the planned year-end Falcon 9 launch of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation FM3 Earth-observation satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base due to a ground system issue at the launch pad. While the rocket and Italian payload remain healthy, additional troubleshooting and checks are underway, and a new target launch date has yet to be confirmed.

SpaceX’s mission, as articulated by Elon Musk, centers on expanding human consciousness into space to better understand the universe. This vision has remained consistent since the early days of Falcon 1, with launch vehicle concepts like Falcon X and Falcon XX foreshadowing today’s Starship program. Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy served as critical stepping stones, while Starship represents SpaceX’s long-term commitment to Mars, deep-space exploration, and civilization-scale progress beyond Earth.

Starlink’s internet service is now officially available in the Cayman Islands, offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity to residents, businesses, and visitors. After years of regulatory discussions and preparations, Starlink’s broadband plans can now be subscribed to locally, providing streaming, work, communication, and digital services across the territory. This launch strengthens digital infrastructure in the islands and reflects Starlink’s broader global expansion.

Starlink has reached 9 million active customers worldwide, providing high-speed satellite internet in 155 countries, territories and other markets. The milestone highlights Starlink’s rapid global expansion and its growing role in bringing broadband access to remote and underserved areas across the globe.

On December 17, 2025, Starlink satellite 35956 experienced an anomaly that caused a loss of communications at about 418 km altitude and triggered venting from its propulsion tank, altering its orbit and resulting in the release of a small number of trackable debris objects. The satellite is now tumbling and is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere within weeks, with no risk to the International Space Station. SpaceX is working with the U.S. Space Force and NASA to monitor the object and is deploying software updates across its fleet to help prevent similar issues.