Falcon 9
vehicle ActiveReusable two-stage medium-lift launcher; Merlin engines.
Falcon 9 is a two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle developed by SpaceX, primarily used for transporting cargo and crew to Earth orbit. It made history in 2020 as the first commercial rocket to launch humans to orbit. The vehicle has been integral to missions including commercial resupply to the International Space Station.
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USSF Finalizes GPS III Constellation with Successful SV-10 Deployment
United States Space Force successfully deployed the final Global Positioning System III satellite, SV-10, on April 21, 2026, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This launch completes the initial ten-satellite phase, enhancing the constellation's resilience and accuracy. SV-10 features innovative technologies, including a 3D-printed omni antenna and a digital rubidium atomic clock, paving the way for the upcoming GPS IIIF series.
Two launches by SpaceX
SpaceX completed two launches on April 20 and 21, 2026. The first launch deployed 25 Starlink satellites using Falcon 9, marking its first stage's 8th flight. The second launch delivered a GPS satellite for the Space Force, with the first stage completing its 7th flight. This shift from ULA to SpaceX marked the fastest contract-to-launch timeline for the Space Force.
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch final GPS III satellite for the U.S. Space Force
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch the final GPS III satellite, designated Space Vehicle 10 (SV10), for the U.S. Space Force on April 20, 2026. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral is scheduled for 2:53:25 a.m. EDT. This mission utilizes booster B1095, marking its seventh flight, and aims for recovery on the drone ship 'Just Read the Instructions.'
Launch Preview: GPS, Progress, and Starlink missions to launch during busy week
Falcon 9 is set to launch GPS III SV10 on April 21, 2026, at 2:53 AM EDT, marking the final satellite of the first-generation GPS III contract. This mission features a Tesat-Spacecom SCOT80 optical communications terminal for a laser communications demonstration. Additionally, Falcon 9 will deploy 25 Starlink v2 Mini satellites on April 22, 2026, enhancing SSO coverage.
600 rocket landings! SpaceX notches another milestone during Sunday Starlink launch (video)
SpaceX achieved its 600th successful rocket landing with the recovery of Falcon 9 booster B1097 after deploying 25 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on April 19, 2026. This milestone marks the eighth landing for this booster and the 47th Falcon 9 launch of the year, contributing to over 10,275 satellites in the constellation.
NASA Invites Media to SpaceX’s 34th Resupply Launch to Space Station
NASA has invited media to cover SpaceX's 34th Commercial Resupply Services mission, targeting launch no earlier than May 12, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket will deliver over 5,000 pounds of science, supplies, and hardware to the International Space Station. This mission includes experiments on microgravity effects and new treatments for osteoporosis, enhancing research capabilities in space.
Watch SpaceX launch advanced GPS satellite for US Space Force early on April 20
SpaceX's Falcon 9 is set to launch the GPS III SV10 satellite for the U.S. Space Force on April 20, 2026, at 2:57 a.m. EDT. This mission marks the final satellite in the GPS III series, enhancing positional accuracy and jam resistance. The Falcon 9's first stage will return to Earth, marking its seventh flight.
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 206 — I Want to Believe
Episode 206 of This Week In Space features Dr. Brianne Suldovsky discussing the implications of discovering alien life. The conversation explores communication challenges in an era of institutional mistrust. Additionally, the episode highlights SpaceX's advancements, including the Falcon 9 model rocket available for purchase. Tune in for insights on extraterrestrial life and space exploration.
Watch live: Blue Origin reusing New Glenn rocket stage for 1st time on April 19 launch
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is set to launch for the third time on April 19, 2026, utilizing a previously flown first-stage booster. The NG-3 mission will deploy the BlueBird 7 satellite into LEO. This milestone aims to enhance Blue Origin's reusability capabilities, positioning it against SpaceX's established rockets like Falcon 9.
Live coverage: SpaceX attempts 600th Falcon booster landing amid West Coast Starlink mission
SpaceX is set to achieve its 600th Falcon booster landing during the Starlink 17-22 mission on March 13, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket, utilizing booster B1097 for its seventh flight, will deploy 25 satellites into LEO. Liftoff from Vandenberg Space Force Base is scheduled for 7:33:40 a.m. PDT, with landing on drone ship OCISLY expected shortly after.