SpaceX Launch Schedule 2026: Next Rocket Liftoff Dates for Starlink and Starship Missions

SpaceX's launch schedule for 2026 is moving at a record-breaking pace. The company has been able to successfully complete missions back-to-back from both coasts. SpaceX has already done more than 25 launches this year as of March 15, 2026, and they are still averaging almost 13 missions a month. 

In the past few weeks, two batches of Starlink satellites were launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral within 48 hours of each other. Official sources say that the active Starlink constellation now has 9,986 working satellites, which is just short of a historic five-digit milestone. 

With Falcon 9 reliability reaching 625 total flights, the focus shifts to late March and April, featuring heavy-lift maneuvers and the highly anticipated maiden flight of the Starship V3 architecture.

When is the Next SpaceX Falcon 9 launch scheduled?

SpaceX's manifest for the remainder of March 2026 remains densely packed with Starlink deployments and small-sat rideshare missions.

The Starlink Group 10-46 mission, targeting a Monday morning liftoff, will utilize a veteran booster attempting its 11th landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas. This high-cadence strategy is part of SpaceX’s broader goal to support up to 148 launches by year-end, a feat that requires seamless coordination with the FAA and U.S. Space Force.

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What is the Update on Starship Flight 12?

Elon Musk recently provided a significant update regarding the next evolution of the world's most powerful launch vehicle.

• Target Date: Early April 2026 (Approximately April 9).

• Vehicle Version: Maiden flight of Starship V3.

• Key Objectives: Testing the new Raptor 3 engines and the upgraded launch tower systems at Starbase, Texas.

• Recovery Plan: SpaceX intends to attempt a soft landing in the ocean for the upper stage. Musk noted on X (formerly Twitter) that the company will only attempt a tower catch of the ship after "two perfect soft landings" to ensure the risk of breakup over land is minimized.

Are there any NASA missions on the schedule?

Beyond commercial satellite deployments, SpaceX is a critical partner in NASA's lunar ambitions. The Artemis II mission is currently undergoing final flight readiness reviews.

According to NASA Program Manager Dr. Lori Glaze, the SLS rocket rollout could occur as early as March 19, 2026, with a primary launch window opening on April 1. 

Additionally, SpaceX is preparing a Falcon Heavy for the NASA Dragonfly mission to Titan, though this remains scheduled for a later window with a lifecycle cost awarded at $256.6 million for launch services.

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The current SpaceX launch schedule reflects a transformative era in spaceflight, blending commercial internet expansion with deep-space exploration. As Falcon 9 remains the workhorse of the industry, the upcoming Starship V3 test will define the next decade of orbital logistics. Spectators can catch live coverage via SpaceX’s official website and X account for all upcoming liftoffs.