SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Launches After Brief Pause

Company quickly addresses anomaly, maintains ambitious launch schedule

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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SpaceX swiftly resumed Falcon 9 launches on Saturday, February 7, 2026, following a brief pause triggered by an anomaly during the Starlink 17-32 mission earlier in the week. The successful launch of the Starlink 17-33 mission demonstrates the company's ability to quickly address and resolve technical issues, maintaining its ambitious launch schedule.

Why it matters

SpaceX's rapid return to flight highlights its commitment to a high launch cadence and its ability to rapidly iterate and improve its operations. The company's frequent launches enable faster learning and innovation, allowing it to enhance the safety and sustainability of its space missions.

The details

The February 2nd incident involved an 'off-nominal condition' during preparation for the deorbit burn of the Starlink 17-32 mission's second stage. SpaceX confirmed that all 25 Starlink satellites were successfully deployed before the issue arose. The company identified a gas bubble in a transfer tube as the cause of a failed ignition. Following a SpaceX-led investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cleared the company for resumed launches on February 6th.

  • The February 2nd incident occurred during preparation for the deorbit burn of the Starlink 17-32 mission.
  • SpaceX resumed launches on February 7, 2026 with the successful launch of the Starlink 17-33 mission.
  • The Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station is currently scheduled for launch on February 11th.

The players

SpaceX

An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The national aviation authority of the United States, responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the country.

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What’s next

SpaceX is preparing for the launch of the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station, currently scheduled for February 11th.

The takeaway

SpaceX's ability to quickly identify and address technical issues, coupled with its high launch frequency, allows the company to maintain its ambitious launch schedule and drive continuous improvement in the safety and sustainability of its space operations.