SpaceX launches two Starlink missions within 19 hours
SpaceX launched two Falcon 9 rockets carrying Starlink satellites from Florida and California within 19 hours on April 14, 2026.
April 15, 2026
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Source: space.com
SpaceX conducted two Starlink satellite launches within 19 hours on Monday, April 14, 2026, demonstrating its rapid launch cadence. The first mission, Starlink 6-51, lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:26 a.m. EDT (0926 UTC).
The second mission, Starlink 8-2, launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 9:35 p.m. PDT on April 14 (0435 UTC on April 15). Both flights used Falcon 9 first-stage boosters on their record-tying 21st flights, which successfully landed on droneships in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, respectively.
The launches delivered another batch of satellites to SpaceX's growing broadband megaconstellation. The company continues to expand its network, which provides global internet coverage, with frequent launches from both U.S. coasts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many times have these Falcon 9 boosters flown?
Both first-stage boosters used in these launches were on their 21st flights, tying a reusability record for the Falcon 9 fleet.
Where did the rockets land?
The Florida mission's booster landed on the droneship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic. The California mission's booster landed on the droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You' in the Pacific.
How many Starlink satellites are now in orbit?
Following these launches, SpaceX has deployed well over 6,000 operational Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit to provide global broadband internet service.
