California is on pace for another record-breaking year for rocket launches — and SpaceX is a big reason why. What to know after the milestone 50th mission of 2026.
The most recent mission from SpaceX helped California reach a major milestone for rocket launches amid what is sure to be yet another record-setting year on the West Coast.
With the latest liftoff of a Falcon 9 rocket, 50 rocket launches have now been conducted in 2026 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base along the central and southern coast of California. The milestone comes as the base, which operates as a major spaceport home to multiple launch complexes in Santa Barbara County, is steadily increasing its role in U.S. spaceflight ambitions…