Weekly Spaceflight Update: May 25-30th
We had a busy week in space flight! Lots of launches and a very unfortunate explosion. Keep reading for all the coverage.
Starlink Group 10-47 - SpaceX
Monday May 25th, SpaceX launched a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites on Booster 1078, recovered by ASOG.
Image Credit: Asher B.
Starlink Group 17-37 - SpaceX
Tuesday May 26, SpaceX launched a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites on Booster 1100, recovered by OCISLY. This was SpaceX’s 200th consecutive successful recovery.
Image Credit: SpaceX
TJSW-24 - CASC
China launched a Long March 7A from LC-201 at Wenchang Space Launch Site. The payload is unknown.
Image Credit: China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology / CASC
New Glenn Explodes - Blue Origin
On Thursday the 28th, the New Glenn booster “No, It’s Necessary” was undergoing a wet dress rehearsal and static fire when a catastrophic explosion occurred, destroying both the vehicle and the launch pad. The blast was so massive it damaged much of the launch complex as well, including both lightning towers. Launch Heaven’s Asher B and Gavin R were first on the scene the next morning to photograph the devastation.
Even after the destruction of LC-36, SpaceX and ULA both launched on the next day.
Starlink Group 10-53 - SpaceX
SpaceX launched a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites on Booster 1085 Friday May 30th, recovered by ASOG. This was SpaceX’s 275th consecutive successful landing.
Image Credit: Asher B
Amazon Leo (LA-07) - ULA
Friday May 30th, ULA Launched an Atlas V 551 from SLC-41 carrying Amazon Leo satellites for Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.
image Credit: Asher B
Starlink Group 17-41 - SpaceX
Saturday May 30th, SpaceX launched a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites on Booster 1082, recovered by OCISLY. This was the 50th Starlink mission of 2026 and the 645th overall Falcon 9 flight.
Image Credit: SpaceX
4 x SatNet - CASC
China launched four test satellites for the state-owned LEO communication satellite constellation SatNet.
Image Credit: CASC (Archive)
