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SpaceX Launches Bandwagon-5 Falcon 9 With 32 Payloads

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 3:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

SpaceX Launches Bandwagon-5

SpaceX launched the Bandwagon-5 Falcon 9 rideshare mission from Cape Canaveral on Oct. 20, 2026.
The rocket carried 32 payloads, including the Starfall re-entry capsule and satellites from HawkEye 360, Iceye, and Xona Space Systems.
First-stage booster B1085 made its 19th flight and attempted landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas.
Starfall capsule, 2.5 ft tall, 10.2 ft wide, 4,600 lb, can return up to 2,200 lb of payload.

Summary

Space Jellyfish Ignites Trend

The “space jellyfish” launch sparked a social-media trend with thousands of online posts.
A “Space Jellyfish Predictor” website maps viewing zones across Ohio, Louisiana and Georgia.
Scientists say sunlight illuminates ice crystals from the Merlin engine exhaust at high altitude.
Local businesses report higher early-morning foot traffic as tourists watch the launch.
Astronomy clubs in several states organized community viewing events for the phenomenon.

History

Historical Context

In December 2015 SpaceX landed Falcon 9 booster B1021 on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You,” the first vertical recovery of an orbital rocket. The first reflight followed in March 2017, and by May 2021 booster B1051 had completed ten flights, making reuse routine. This path allows the 2026 Bandwagon-5 mission to reuse a Block 5 booster for its 19th flight.

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SpaceX Launches Bandwagon-5

SpaceX launched the Bandwagon-5 Falcon 9 rideshare mission from Cape Canaveral on Oct. 20, 2026.
The rocket carried 32 payloads, including the Starfall re-entry capsule and satellites from HawkEye 360, Iceye, and Xona Space Systems.
First-stage booster B1085 made its 19th flight and attempted landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas.
Starfall capsule, 2.5 ft tall, 10.2 ft wide, 4,600 lb, can return up to 2,200 lb of payload.

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