SpaceX is preparing for two launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Tranche 1 Transport Layer A mission, carrying 21 satellites for the U.S. Space Force, is scheduled for October 6. The Falcon 9 booster B1103 will attempt a return-to-launch-site landing at LZ-4. Additionally, a Starlink mission with 27 satellites is set for October 10, using booster B1088 for its 20th flight.
South Korea’s KARI plans to launch the KSLV-2 rocket from the Naro Space Center on October 7. This mission will carry 15 satellites, including five for the NeonSat constellation and 10 rideshare payloads. This marks the fifth flight for the KSLV-2 vehicle and the eighth overall mission for KARI, with the next launch for the program expected no earlier than 2027.
China is scheduled to launch a Chang Zheng 12 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island on October 9. The two-stage medium-lift vehicle will follow a southeast trajectory. While the specific payload remains unconfirmed, previous CZ-12 flights this year have carried SatNet LEO broadband satellites for the Guowang constellation.
The upcoming Falcon 9 mission on October 10 represents the 112th flight of the year for SpaceX. Globally, this week's activities contribute to a total of 240 orbital launch attempts recorded in 2026. SpaceX is currently transitioning toward Starship for operational Starlink v3 deployments, following the commencement of those operations on September 28.
