SpaceX Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus with Successful Viasat-3 Launch
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket successfully lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 29, 2026, completing the rocket’s first flight in 18 months. The mission successfully deployed the Viasat-3 F3 communications satellite into its intended orbit.
Mission Overview
The launch was originally scheduled for Monday but was scrubbed due to unfavorable weather conditions. With improved weather on Wednesday, the SpaceX team seized the launch window and executed a flawless mission.
The Falcon Heavy is one of the most powerful operational launch vehicles in the world, capable of delivering over 63 metric tons to low Earth orbit. The rocket’s configuration features three Falcon 9 first-stage boosters clustered together, with the side boosters successfully returning to the landing zone after separation.
The Viasat-3 F3 Satellite
The payload for this mission, Viasat-3 F3, is the third satellite in Viasat’s third-generation high-throughput communications constellation. The satellite will provide high-speed broadband internet services across the Americas, significantly enhancing network coverage in the region.
Falcon Heavy’s Return
This marks the longest gap between Falcon Heavy launches. During this period, SpaceX has focused its resources on the development and testing of its Starship program, as well as the high-frequency commercial launch schedule of the Falcon 9 rocket. The Viasat-3 F3 mission signals the Falcon Heavy’s formal return to operations, which is significant for commercial and government customers requiring heavy-lift capabilities.
Live coverage from Spaceflight Now confirmed that all mission phases proceeded as planned, including booster recovery and satellite deployment.
Source: Space | SpaceX | Spaceflight Now