SpaceX launched two Falcon 9 rockets for Globalstar and the U.S. Space Force, completing both missions just 38.5 minutes apart and setting a company record, according to Spaceflight.
The first Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying eight Globalstar satellites into low Earth orbit. The satellites will help replenish Globalstar’s existing network.
The Falcon 9 first stage booster, known as B1090, completed its 14th flight. About eight minutes after lift-off, the booster landed at Landing Zone 40, marking another successful recovery for SpaceX.
A second Falcon 9 launched the classified USSF-366 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch took place just 38.5 minutes after the first mission.
The U.S. Space Force did not disclose details about the payload. It said the mission was assigned under a previously awarded National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 task order.
The second mission’s first stage booster, B1088, landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. The landing marked the 650th Falcon booster recovery, according to the report.
SpaceX just set a new record by launching two Falcon 9 rockets only 38.5 minutes apart.
SpaceX is operating on another level. 🔥🚀 pic.twitter.com/7NdAvKZoji
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) August 16, 2026
The Globalstar launch was originally planned for May 17 but was delayed to give teams additional time to prepare the satellites for flight.
Globalstar CEO Paul E. Jacobs described the launch as an important step toward maintaining and improving the satellite infrastructure used by the company’s customers.
The launch comes as Globalstar awaits a planned acquisition by Amazon. The deal is expected to close in 2027 and is intended to support Amazon’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) direct-to-device satellite services.
Globalstar said on Aug. 6 that it would stop providing further earnings calls and updates to its forward-looking guidance while the proposed transaction remains pending.
The latest launches highlight SpaceX’s ability to carry out multiple missions within a short period. The company continues to expand its launch operations while providing services for commercial satellite operators and U.S. national security missions.
The record-setting turnaround also demonstrates the growing pace of Falcon 9 launches, with both missions successfully completed less than an hour apart.
