In early 2026, SpaceX carried out several Starlink satellite deployment missions, including a record-setting launch at Cape Canaveral and a return to flight following an investigation into an in-flight anomaly. These missions contributed to the ongoing expansion of the Starlink broadband internet constellation, which also extended service to new regions.
Early January Launch and Starlink Expansion
On January 4, 2026, SpaceX launched 29 Starlink Group 6-88 satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The mission lifted off at 1:48 a.m. EST (0648 GMT). The Falcon 9's first stage booster, identified as Booster 1101, completed its inaugural flight and successfully landed on the drone ship "Just Read the Instructions" in the Atlantic Ocean.
Following this launch, Starlink broadband internet service was extended to Venezuela, with free access offered through February 3, 2026.
This mission marked SpaceX's 595th completed mission since 2008 and its 555th successful booster landing since 2015.
Mid-January Record-Setting Launch
Later in January, SpaceX deployed an additional 29 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites as part of the Starlink 6-98 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch, which occurred on a Wednesday at 1:08 p.m. EST (1808 UTC), established a new turnaround record for the launch complex. It took place 45 hours after the Starlink 6-97 mission had launched from the same pad on the preceding Monday at 4:08 p.m. EST (2108 UTC).
This achievement surpassed the previous record of 50 hours and 44 minutes, set in December 2025.
The Falcon 9 first stage booster (Booster 1085) completed its 13th flight, successfully landing on the drone ship ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas.’ This marked the 139th landing on this specific vessel and SpaceX’s 559th booster landing overall. This mission was SpaceX’s fourth Starlink deployment and sixth Falcon 9 rocket launch of 2026.
February Launches and Anomaly Investigation
Anomaly During Starlink 17-32 Mission
On February 2, a Starlink mission, designated 17-32, experienced an "off-nominal condition" during its second stage's preparation for a deorbit burn. SpaceX reported that the second stage failed to re-ignite due to a gas bubble in the transfer tube. The vehicle subsequently passivated as designed and reentered Earth's atmosphere approximately 10.5 hours later over the Southern Indian Ocean. The Falcon 9 booster (B1071) for this mission, completing its 31st flight, successfully landed on the drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You,' marking the 567th booster landing to date.
Investigation and Corrective Actions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversaw and accepted SpaceX's investigation findings into the incident. The probable root cause was identified as the Falcon 9 second stage engine's failure to ignite. SpaceX implemented technical and organizational preventative measures.
Following these actions, the FAA authorized the Falcon 9 vehicle to return to flight.
NASA also assessed the potential impact of the mishap on crewed flights, specifically the upcoming Crew-12 mission. NASA and SpaceX concluded that, due to a different deorbit profile for crewed missions, there was no increased risk to crew safety during ascent.
Return to Flight with Starlink 17-33 Mission
SpaceX resumed its regular launch cadence on Saturday, February 7, with the deployment of 25 Starlink satellites (Starlink 17-33 mission) into low Earth orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 3:58 p.m. EDT (2058 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The Falcon 9 first stage booster (B1088) completed its 13th flight and successfully landed on the drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You' in the Pacific Ocean approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This landing constituted SpaceX's 568th booster landing. Deployment of the Group 17-33 satellites was confirmed approximately one hour after liftoff. This mission was SpaceX's 15th launch of the year.
Starlink Network Status
The Starlink network, which aims to provide broadband internet access globally, particularly in areas with limited or no existing connectivity, continued its expansion during this period.
As of early February 2026, the Starlink constellation comprised over 9,600 active satellites in low Earth orbit.