SpaceX Set for Record-Breaking Week with Four Falcon 9 Launches and Significant Satellite Deployments

This week, SpaceX is set to take a commanding lead in the launch schedule with as many as four missions using its Falcon 9 rockets. Notably, one of these missions marks the first time since January that the Falcon 9 will fly in an expendable configuration. Additionally, another mission will see the deployment of 29 more Starlink v2 Mini satellites, a repeat launch that showcases the continued expansion of SpaceX’s satellite constellation.

At this point, only one international mission is on the agenda—China’s Chang Zheng 5 rocket is expected to launch an undisclosed payload in the middle of the week. Initially planned for earlier in the week, Japan’s HTV-X cargo vehicle launch has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions at the Tanegashima Space Center, with a new target window set for the upcoming weekend.

Over the weekend, SpaceX set significant records, including the achievement of the Falcon 9 booster, B1067, which successfully completed its 31st mission by supporting the latest Starlink Group 10-17 launch from Florida. This mission was especially notable as it also marked the launch of SpaceX’s 10,000th Starlink satellite into orbit.

The first Falcon 9 mission for this week is scheduled to take off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday, October 22, at approximately 7:00 AM PDT (14:00 UTC). This mission will carry 28 Starlink v2 Mini satellites intended for the Group 11 shell of the megaconstellation, positioned in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers. The booster for this launch, B1075, is making its 21st flight after being operational since January 2023. Following the launch, it will aim to land on SpaceX’s droneship Of Course I Still Love You located in the Pacific.

As of the start of this week, SpaceX has successfully launched a total of 10,044 Starlink satellites, with 1,364 of those having re-entered the atmosphere and 7,455 achieving their designated operational orbits.

Another Falcon 9 mission is on the launch manifest from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station scheduled for the same day at 9:30 PM EDT (01:30 UTC on October 23). This mission will deliver the second of two SPAINSAT NG satellites, which will replace the current SpainSat and XTAR-EUR communications satellites in their geostationary positions. Designed by Airbus, these next-generation satellites promise enhanced capabilities and greater bandwidth for military communications. The mission will use booster B1076, which will be expended during this flight, marking a rare occasion for SpaceX as it typically recovers its rockets. This booster has previously supported multiple missions, including resupply missions to the International Space Station and various satellite deployments.

Wednesday will also see the launch of a Chang Zheng 5 rocket, anticipated to take place on October 23 at 10:30 PM CST (14:30 UTC) from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in China. Details regarding the specific payload remain unclear, but speculation suggests it may be part of the classified Tongxin Jishi Shiyan communication satellite series. This launch represents the Chang Zheng 5’s first since its May mission, which carried the Chang’e 6 lunar soil sample return spacecraft.

SpaceX continues to ramp up its Starlink operations with a second Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg expected on October 25, targeting another batch of 28 Starlink v2 Mini satellites. The launch window will open at 7:00 AM PDT (14:00 UTC), using booster B1081, which is currently a workhorse in the fleet, having flown numerous missions since its introduction.

Also set for October 25 is a follow-up Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral, which will carry 29 Starlink v2-Mini satellites—setting a new record for satellite deployment aboard a single Falcon 9 mission. The launch window opens at 10:27 AM EDT (14:27 UTC) with booster B1077 completing its 24th flight.

Finally, a third Starlink mission will take place on October 27 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, where another batch of Starlink v2 Mini satellites is expected to be launched with booster B1082 making its 17th flight. This booster, in operation since earlier this year, is anticipated to land on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You after launching into the Pacific.

Amid ongoing advancements and ambitions, SpaceX is continuing its robust launch cadence, further solidifying its position as a leader in modern spaceflight.