Global Launch Log: Every Orbital Launch and Result — 2026-09-14
SpaceX continued its dominance this week with the launch of the final three O3b mPOWER satellites for SES on September 13, while China successfully deployed six remote sensing satellites via a Long March 4B rocket on September 10. Meanwhile, Roscosmos faced a technical scrub with its Progress MS-35 cargo mission at Baikonur, forcing a return to the launch pad after initial issues.
Global Launch Log: Every Orbital Launch and Result — 2026-09-14
Top developments
SpaceX Delivers Final O3b mPOWER Satellites for SES
On September 13, 2026, SpaceX launched the final three O3b mPOWER satellites for SES using a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission completed SES’s constellation upgrade, enhancing global connectivity capabilities. The successful deployment marks a significant milestone in commercial satellite internet infrastructure expansion.
China Successfully Launches Six Remote Sensing Satellites
On September 10, 2026, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) successfully launched a Long March 4B rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The "one arrow, six stars" mission deployed Yaogan-53 (01-03) and Yaogan-56 (01-03) remote sensing satellites into orbit. This launch underscores China's steady pace in expanding its Earth observation capabilities.
Roscosmos Scrubs Progress MS-35 Launch at Baikonur
A Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying the Progress MS-35 cargo spacecraft was returned to the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome after technical issues arose prior to launch. The rocket had been prepared for launch but was pulled back for checks, delaying the resupply mission to the International Space Station. This incident highlights ongoing reliability challenges for Russian launch operations.
ULA Prepares for Vulcan Return to Flight Amid Financial Pressure
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is preparing to resume launching its Vulcan rocket in the coming weeks, following previous delays. Concurrently, reports indicate ULA is facing financial pressures that may force its owners to consider a sale or restructuring. This development could reshape the US launch provider landscape if ownership changes occur.
Local view
Local media in Kazakhstan reported on the technical difficulties facing the Progress MS-35 launch at Baikonur, noting the rocket was reinstalled on the launch pad after initial problems. The outlet highlighted the delay as a setback for ISS resupply schedules.
Chinese state media emphasized the success of the Long March 4B mission, framing it as a routine but significant achievement in China's space program. Coverage focused on the technical precision of deploying six satellites simultaneously.
Context & numbers
The Space Coast has recorded 56 orbital launches through September 13, 2026, driven primarily by SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and NASA missions. Globally, orbital radar tracking indicates 216 launches have occurred so far in 2026, reflecting the continued high cadence of space activity.
On the radar
- ULA Vulcan Return: Watch for the imminent return-to-flight of the Vulcan rocket, which is critical for maintaining ULA's NSSL Phase 3 contracts.
- Progress MS-35 Reschedule: The revised launch date for the Progress MS-35 cargo ship to the ISS is pending following the Baikonur scrub.
- Upcoming Falcon 9 Missions: Additional Falcon 9 launches are scheduled from Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg in the coming weeks, continuing SpaceX's high-frequency pattern.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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