SpaceX is set to hit a major milestone in its 2026 launch schedule. The company will conduct its 100th orbital mission of the year with an overnight launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The mission involves the deployment of 29 Starlink broadband internet satellites. These additions expand the existing megaconstellation, which now includes over 11,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. The launch is scheduled for 12:25 a.m. PDT.
Flight operations will rely on the Falcon 9 first stage booster designated B1100. This specific booster is scheduled for its ninth flight. Previous missions for this hardware include the NROL-105 launch for the National Reconnaissance Office along with seven prior Starlink missions.
Following the launch, the company intends to recover the booster. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the B1100 will attempt a landing on the droneship titled Of Course I Still Love You. This vessel is stationed in the Pacific Ocean. If the landing goes as planned, it will mark the 220th touchdown on this specific ship and the 653rd recovery of a Falcon booster in company history.