July 2025 – Spaceflight Now

SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites into polar orbit on Falcon 9 rocket from California

July 18, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The mission is part of SpaceX’s plan to bolster its internet network in Alaska and other polar regions. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from pad 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 8:52 p.m. PDT (11:52 p.m. EDT / 0352 UTC).

SpaceX launches first of three missions for Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation

July 15, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

This is the first of three planned Falcon 9 missions Amazon booked for its internet relay satellites. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:30 a.m. EDT (0630 UTC) from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX launches 26 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB

July 15, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The Starlink 15-2 mission was the 30th orbital launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in 2025. SpaceX achieved liftoff of its Falcon 9 rocket from pad 4 East at 7:05 p.m. PDT (10:05 p.m. EDT, 0205 UTC).

NASA, SpaceX target July 31 for Crew-11 launch to the ISS

July 14, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The four-person crew will launch onboard Dragon Endeavour from pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. It will be the first time a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has flown for a sixth time.

SpaceX launches Israeli satellite on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral

July 12, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

SpaceX disclosed neither the payload nor the customer for this mission but hours after the launch Israel Aerospace Industries said it the Falcon 9 carried its Dror 1 communications satellite. Liftoff occurred at 1:04 a.m. EDT (0504 UTC).

Axiom Space, Oakley partner on spacesuit visor for Artemis missions

July 12, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The high-end sunglasses brand is the latest non-traditional partner to join Axiom Space in designing its spacesuits for exploring the Moon as part of the Artemis Program.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy picked as Interim NASA Administrator

July 10, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The Wednesday night announcement comes more than five weeks after the President pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman for the position.

SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral

July 8, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The Starlink 10-28 mission delivered 28 broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit. Liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 4:21 a.m. EDT (0821 UTC).

Republican-backed reconciliation bill passes, includes funding for ISS, Artemis programs, Space Shuttle relocation

July 5, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

This bill, H.R. 1, is separate from the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Those include the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) bill, which will be marked up by the House Appropriations Committee at a later time.

ULA begins stacking its 1st Vulcan rocket supporting a national security mission

July 3, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

This is the second time the rocket is being prepared for launch following a months long delay in certifying the launch vehicle. ULA hasn’t announced a specific launch date, but it’s expected sometime this summer.