Falcon 9 | MRV-1: Launch Time & How to Watch (31 July 2026)

What is the MRV-1 launch?

MRV-1 is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission is currently targeting a launch date of 31 July 2026, though the exact time and pad remain to be confirmed as the date approaches.

The Falcon 9 Block 5 is the workhorse of the modern launch industry, a two-stage, partially reusable rocket built by SpaceX. Its first stage is designed to return to Earth and land for reuse, a capability that has reshaped the economics of spaceflight since the vehicle's debut.

When is the launch?

Here are the key details known so far:

Because the status is listed as TBD, both the precise liftoff time and the specific launch pad are subject to change. Launch schedules routinely shift due to range availability, payload readiness, and weather. For the most up-to-date time, keep an eye on our rocket launch schedule, which reflects the latest confirmed timing.

Where is it launching from?

The mission will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Florida's Space Coast. Cape Canaveral is one of the busiest launch sites in the world and hosts SpaceX operations from Space Launch Complex 40, alongside neighboring facilities at Kennedy Space Center. You can explore other missions flying from this spaceport on our Cape Canaveral launch hub.

What is the payload?

The payload for this mission is designated MRV-1. Beyond its designation and its assignment to this Falcon 9 flight, further mission specifics have not been publicly confirmed. As the launch date nears, additional details about the payload's operator, orbit, and objectives typically become available through official channels.

We will update our coverage on the latest launch news page as more information is released. Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, you'll be able to follow it on our live 3D map.

How to watch the launch live

SpaceX typically provides a live webcast of Falcon 9 missions, beginning roughly 10 to 15 minutes before liftoff. The broadcast usually covers the countdown, launch, stage separation, and the first-stage landing attempt, whether on a droneship at sea or back at the launch site.

To follow along in real time, you can:

• Track the countdown and launch window on the SpaceX launch hub
• Watch the vehicle's trajectory and the deployed satellite on Cosmik's live 3D solar system and satellite map
• Enable free launch alerts so you're notified before liftoff

What happens during a Falcon 9 flight?

A typical Falcon 9 mission follows a well-rehearsed sequence. After ignition of the nine Merlin engines on the first stage, the rocket climbs through the dense lower atmosphere and passes through max-Q, the point of peak aerodynamic pressure. The first stage then shuts down and separates, boosting back or coasting to a landing while the second stage ignites to carry the payload toward its target orbit.

If the first stage is recovered successfully, it can be refurbished and flown again, a hallmark of the Block 5 design. For a deeper look at how orbiting spacecraft are monitored after deployment, see our guide on how to track satellites.

Will the launch be on time?

With the mission marked as TBD, there is a realistic chance the date or time will shift. SpaceX and range officials confirm timing closer to the launch, and we'll reflect any changes immediately. Bookmark this page and check our launch schedule for live updates.

Follow the MRV-1 launch live on Cosmik. Watch the countdown, see Falcon 9 lift off from Cape Canaveral, and track the deployed spacecraft in real time on our free 3D map. Enable free launch alerts so you never miss liftoff. Data sourced from The Space Devs Launch Library.