Starlink 17-51 Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg
Falcon 9 launched 24 Starlink satellites from SLC-4E, California on July 25, 2026.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Starlink 17-51 Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg — Sunday, July 26, 2026
Starlink 17-51 launched July 25; NASA selects SpaceX Starlink for Artemis III laser comms and imagery; new spacecraft tech demo mission announced for Moon. SpaceX’s Starship completed its 13th test flight with an upgraded Version 3 design, successfully deploying the first batch of enhanced Starlink satellites in suborbital space and landing intact in the Indian Ocean, marking a step toward routine operations and future NASA lunar missions.
Biggest developments
NASA announces new spacecraft technology demonstration mission at Moon
New mission details released in last 24 hours for lunar technology demo.
NASA selects SpaceX Starlink for Artemis III
Starlink mini laser terminals to deliver imagery from Orion spacecraft during Artemis III.
Important posts & threads
Falcon 9 Starlink launch video
Falcon 9 launches 24 @Starlink satellites from California
Bullish takes
- SpaceX Starship completes 13th test flight with upgraded Version 3 design and successful ocean splashdown, advancing toward routine service by year‑end; first batch of upgraded Starlink satellites briefly deployed in suborbital space, signaling progress toward higher‑capacity broadband constellation.
Critical takes
- Starship remains in test phase with no crewed or lunar‑mission flights yet; regulatory and technical hurdles persist before routine Starlink launches and NASA lunar missions can proceed at scale.
Why this matters
Ongoing cadence of Starlink deployments and Artemis preparations signal accelerating commercial and crewed lunar infrastructure.