SpaceX Set for 490th Falcon 9 Launch with 23 Satellites

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX is preparing to launch its 490th Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit on Friday. The mission, known as Starlink 12-26, is scheduled for liftoff at 11:29 a.m. EDT (1529 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The 45th Weather Squadron reports an 85 percent chance of favorable weather at the start of the original four-hour launch window, which opened at 7:45 a.m. EDT (1145 UTC). However, conditions are expected to decrease to 60 percent favorability by the end of the window. Launch weather officers noted that the Atlantic ridge will remain in place over Central Florida, contributing to some local showers due to onshore flow.

The Falcon 9 rocket will utilize the first stage booster with the tail number B1078, marking its 21st flight. Previous missions for this booster include notable launches such as NASA’s Crew-6 and various Starlink missions. Approximately eight minutes post-launch, B1078 aims to land on the droneship ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ stationed in the Atlantic, which would mark this vessel’s 113th successful touchdown.

This launch will deliver a total of 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities. To date, SpaceX has deployed 661 DTC Starlink satellites, with 273 launched in 2025 alone.

SpaceX continues to position itself as a leader in satellite communications, enhancing global connectivity through its innovative satellite technologies.