On July 9, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The liftoff occurred at 5:25 a.m. from Launch Complex 40, after which the rocket followed a northeast trajectory into orbit. The launch window extended until 9:05 a.m. if needed.
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The Falcon 9's first stage booster made a planned landing on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, and no sonic booms were reported in Brevard County. Following recovery, the booster is scheduled to return to Port Canaveral in the coming days.
Observers noted a unique visual effect, described as a "jellyfish" in the sky, created by the rocket's exhaust illuminated by the early morning sun.
This mission marked the 36th flight of the Falcon 9 booster, which has previously participated in various missions, including NASA missions and several Starlink deployments. The 45th Weather Squadron had forecast a 90% chance of favorable weather for the launch.
Brevard County Emergency Management officials activated their launch operations support team in preparation for the event. SpaceX's launch webcast was available for viewers prior to liftoff.