SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites Amid Busy Space Week
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites from California. NASA and SpaceX prepare to send 6,300 pounds of cargo to the ISS.
| Active satellites | 15,783 |
| Starlink active | 10,061 |
| Catalogued objects | 31,427 |
| Predicted re-entries | 7 |
| Active close approaches | 18 |
| People in space | 10 |
SpaceX has successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from California, marking the first such mission in over three weeks. This launch contributes to the 10,061 Starlink satellites currently operational, according to Orbital Radar tracking data. The total number of active satellites in orbit now stands at 15,783.
Cargo Mission to the ISS
NASA and SpaceX are gearing up for a significant mission to the International Space Station (ISS) today. The CRS-35 mission will deliver 6,300 pounds of cargo, including the final iROSA solar arrays and various scientific experiments. This mission is crucial for maintaining the ISS's operational capabilities and supporting ongoing research.
Orbital Anomalies and Close Approaches
Several close approaches have been recorded in recent days, highlighting the crowded nature of Earth's orbit. Notable among these are the close approaches between TERRA SAR X and TANDEM X, and between OPTUS D3 and MEV-1, with minimum distances of approximately 1.09 km and 1.07 km, respectively. The Orbital Radar SSA hub provides real-time tracking of such events to ensure space situational awareness.
What to Watch
While no new launches are scheduled for the immediate future, the ongoing CRS-35 mission to the ISS remains a focal point. For those interested in tracking satellite passes, the Orbital Radar pass predictor offers detailed visibility schedules. Additionally, space enthusiasts can follow the live progress of the Starlink constellation via the Starlink Tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Starlink satellites are currently operational?
What is the purpose of the CRS-35 mission to the ISS?
📎 Cite this article · data available
Orbital Radar Newsroom. (2026). SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites Amid Busy Space Week. Orbital Radar. https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-10-13"SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites Amid Busy Space Week." Orbital Radar, 13 October 2026, https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-10-13.@misc{orbitalradar_orbital_briefing_2026_10_13,
title = {SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites Amid Busy Space Week},
author = {{Orbital Radar}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-10-13}}
}
