SpaceX Launches First Starlink Satellites of 2026 on New Falcon 9 Rocket

SpaceX deployed its first Starlink satellites of 2026 using a new Falcon 9 rocket while simultaneously offering free internet to Venezuelans amid political unrest.

Liftoff occurred at 1:48 a.m. EST on January 4, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The mission delivered 29 Starlink satellites (Group 6-88) to low Earth orbit approximately 69 minutes after launch.

The Falcon 9 first stage (Booster 1101) landed on the drone ship 'Just Read the Instructions' in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX announced free broadband service for Venezuelans through February 3, 2026, following a U.S.-led raid on the country’s capital. As of this launch, SpaceX has conducted 595 total launches since 2008 and achieved 555 first-stage landings since 2015.

The Starlink network now includes nearly 9,500 active satellites.