Falcon 9 Globalstar 2-R Mission 1: Aug 16, 2026 Launch

SpaceX will launch the Globalstar 2-R Mission 1, carrying nine next-generation satellites, on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Liftoff is currently targeted for August 16, 2026, at 01:12 UTC, though the timing remains to be confirmed (TBC).

Globalstar 2-R is a batch of replacement spacecraft for Globalstar's low-Earth-orbit satellite phone and IoT constellation, designed to sustain global voice and data connectivity for years to come.

When is the launch?

The launch is scheduled for August 16, 2026 at 01:12 UTC from Cape Canaveral. In local time that corresponds to the late evening of August 15 on the U.S. East Coast. The status is listed as TBC, so the exact time may shift as SpaceX and Globalstar finalize the flight schedule and weather forecasts.

Launch summary

What is the payload?

The payload consists of nine Globalstar second-generation replacement satellites. Globalstar operates a low-Earth-orbit constellation providing satellite phone service, asynchronous data, and machine-to-machine IoT connectivity. The company's network has historically comprised roughly two dozen operational satellites orbiting at about 1,414 km (876 miles) altitude, inclined near 52 degrees.

This replacement fleet is expected to bolster Globalstar's capacity, notably supporting the direct-to-device connectivity partnership that underpins emergency satellite messaging features on modern smartphones. Deploying nine spacecraft on a single Falcon 9 keeps the aging constellation refreshed and maintains service continuity.

What rocket is being used?

The Falcon 9 Block 5 is SpaceX's two-stage, partially reusable orbital rocket and the most-flown vehicle in the world. Its first stage returns to Earth for propulsive landing and reflight, a capability that has made Falcon 9 the workhorse of the commercial launch market with over 400 successful missions to date.

For this flight, SpaceX will attempt to recover the first-stage booster, most likely on an autonomous droneship stationed in the Atlantic, given the mission's medium-Earth-orbit target profile. See more SpaceX launches and the full rocket launch schedule on Cosmik.

How to watch live

SpaceX typically begins its official webcast about 15 minutes before liftoff on X and its website. Watch for confirmation of the exact window, since the current time is marked TBC.

• Confirm the launch time and status via the Cosmik launch tracker.
• Watch SpaceX's live webcast, which usually goes live roughly 15 minutes before T-0.
• Follow the rocket and deployed satellites in real time on the Cosmik 3D map.

Why this mission matters

Replenishing the Globalstar fleet is central to keeping direct-to-device satellite messaging alive for millions of smartphone users. Each launch of replacement satellites extends the operational life of a constellation that has been in service since the late 1990s, ensuring uninterrupted coverage across land and ocean regions.

The mission also underscores SpaceX's role as a dedicated launch partner for commercial constellations beyond its own Starlink network, using the same reliable Falcon 9 platform for third-party medium-Earth-orbit deployments.

Where does the data come from?

Launch details are aggregated from public launch databases including The Space Devs Launch Library. Background on the vehicle, operator, and spaceport draws on established public knowledge. For further reading, see the Wikipedia entries for Falcon 9, Globalstar, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Track this Falcon 9 and the nine Globalstar 2-R satellites live on Cosmik's 3D solar-system and satellite map, and enable free launch alerts so you never miss liftoff. Explore the latest launch news and learn how to track satellites overhead.