Get ready for a week that’s literally out of this world! Eight rocket launches are set to light up the skies across the globe, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a single one. From SpaceX’s Starlink missions to the debut of the Ariane 64, this lineup is packed with milestones—and a few surprises. But here’s where it gets controversial: as China keeps its payload details under wraps, whispers suggest a Pakistani satellite might be hitching a ride. And this is the part most people miss: the Vulcan Centaur’s mission isn’t just about delivering satellites; it’s about training the next generation of Space Force guardians. Let’s dive in!
Kicking Off with a Bang: SpaceX’s Starlink Group 17-34
The week starts early on Wednesday, February 11, with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launching 24 Starlink v2 Mini satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is set for 6:07 AM PST (14:07 UTC), marking the 600th Falcon 9 mission to date. The booster, B1100, is no stranger to space, having already supported two previous missions. It’ll attempt a landing on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You—because even rockets need a safe place to call home. Fun fact: these satellites will orbit at a 97.6-degree inclination, perfect for covering southern regions.
China’s Mystery Mission: Jielong 3 Takes Flight
Later that day, China’s Jielong 3 rocket will launch from the Haiyang Oriental Spaceport in the South China Sea. The payload? Officially unknown. But here’s the twist: rumors hint at a Pakistani Earth observation satellite, thanks to a flagged fairing spotted late last year. Pakistan has partnered with China before, so this wouldn’t be unprecedented. The launch window opens at 6:26 UTC, with liftoff expected at 6:30 UTC. Will the mystery be solved post-launch? Only time will tell.
Thursday’s Triple Threat: Vulcan, Proton, and Crew-12
Thursday, February 12, is the day to watch. Three major launches will dominate the skies, starting with the Vulcan Centaur VC4S. ULA’s Vulcan will deliver three payloads to geosynchronous orbit for the U.S. Space Force, including two GSSAP satellites for space surveillance and a Propulsive ESPA to train Space Force personnel. Liftoff is at 3:30 AM EST (8:30 UTC) from Cape Canaveral. Bold move? This is only Vulcan’s fourth mission since its 2024 debut, but it’s already proving its versatility.
Next up, Russia’s Proton-M will launch the Elektro-L n°5 weather satellite to geostationary orbit at 8:52 UTC from Baikonur. This mission is a big deal for Russia’s real-time weather monitoring capabilities. Meanwhile, SpaceX and NASA will launch the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station at 6:01 AM EST (11:01 UTC). Commander Jack Hathaway, pilot Jessica Meir, and mission specialists Sophie Adenot and Andrey Fedyaev will spend eight to nine months aboard the ISS—longer than usual due to Crew-11’s early return. The Falcon 9 booster, B1101, will make history with its first landing at the new Landing Zone 40.
Ariane 64’s Debut: Amazon’s Internet Ambitions
At 16:45 UTC, Arianespace will launch its first Ariane 64, carrying 32 Amazon Leo internet satellites. This marks the rocket’s maiden voyage in its 64 configuration, complete with four solid rocket boosters. The satellites will join Amazon’s growing constellation, a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink. Will this launch shift the balance in the satellite internet race? Only time will tell.
Weekend Encore: Two More Starlink Missions
SpaceX isn’t done yet. On Saturday, February 14, two Falcon 9 rockets will launch Starlink missions. The first, Starlink Group 6-103, will carry 29 satellites to a 43-degree inclined orbit at 12:00 AM EST (5:00 UTC) from Cape Canaveral. Booster B1090 will make its 10th flight, landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas. Later, at 2:00 PM PST (22:00 UTC), Starlink Group 17-13 will launch from Vandenberg, carrying 25 satellites to a 97.6-degree inclined orbit. Booster B1081 will make its 22nd flight, landing on Of Course I Still Love You. This will be the 36th orbital launch attempt of 2026—talk about a busy year!
Final Thoughts: A Week of Firsts and Questions
This week’s launches are more than just routine missions; they’re milestones in space exploration and commercialization. But here’s the big question: As companies like Amazon and SpaceX race to dominate satellite internet, who will come out on top? And what does China’s secrecy around payloads mean for global transparency in space? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this cosmic showdown!
