SpaceX achieved its 30th launch of 2026 with the successful deployment of the 15,000-pound (6,800-kilogram) EchoStar XXV television satellite. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 12:19 a.m. EDT (04:19 GMT) on March 10, 2026. This mission marks a significant milestone for the company, highlighting its capacity to deliver payloads beyond its primary focus on the Starlink broadband initiative.
The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage, identified as Booster 1085, returned to Earth approximately nine minutes after launch. It executed a successful landing on the Atlantic Ocean aboard SpaceX’s droneship named “A Shortfall of Gravitas.” This landing represented the 14th successful mission for this particular booster, showcasing SpaceX’s ongoing commitment to reusability and cost efficiency in space launches.
After the first stage separation, the Falcon 9’s upper stage continued its ascent, guiding EchoStar XXV to geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite was deployed as planned, 35 minutes post-launch, and began its journey towards geostationary orbit, located 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth. Following a series of operational checkouts, EchoStar XXV will start providing television signals to customers of the Dish Network, a subsidiary of Colorado-based EchoStar.
This launch is a notable event for SpaceX, as it diverged from the company’s recent trend of primarily focusing on its Starlink broadband constellation. Out of the 30 orbital launches conducted by SpaceX in 2026, 24 have been dedicated to Starlink missions. The successful deployment of EchoStar XXV highlights SpaceX’s diverse capabilities in satellite launches, extending beyond its ambitious broadband objectives.
As SpaceX continues to expand its launch portfolio, the company remains at the forefront of the commercial space industry, setting new standards for reliability and efficiency. With its innovative technology and strategic partnerships, SpaceX is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of global satellite communications.
