Space Launch Calendar: January 2026

I’ve always felt that there is something deeply grounding about watching a rocket pierce through the atmosphere. It’s the ultimate human “I was here” statement. As I sat down to look at the launch schedule for January 2026, I realized we aren’t just looking at a calendar; we are looking at a roadmap of how we are expanding our presence in the stars.

This month is incredibly dense. From SpaceX’s relentless Starlink deployments to critical national security missions and the rising stars of international space agencies in India, China, and Europe—January is setting a blistering pace for the year. I’ve put together this guide to help you keep track of when to look up, whether you’re on the Space Coast of Florida or the foggy cliffs of Vandenberg.

My Take: Why This Month Matters

What strikes me looking at this list is how “routine” space has become. SpaceX is essentially operating like a bus service to low Earth orbit (LEO). But don’t let the frequency fool you; missions like the NROL-105 (a classified national security launch) and the Pandora / Twilight rideshare are technically complex and strategically massive.

I’m also keeping a very close eye on Isar Aerospace out of Norway. Their “Flight Two” of the Spectrum rocket is a big deal for European sovereign space access. We are seeing a world where space isn’t just a playground for two superpowers anymore—it’s a global neighborhood.

The January 2026 Launch Schedule

I’ve organized these chronologically so you can plan your viewing (or your livestreams).

Missions to Watch: My “Ugu” Highlights

If you only have time to catch a few, here are the ones I’m personally not missing:

1. The Pandora / Twilight Rideshare (Jan 11): I love rideshare missions because they represent the “democratization” of space. It’s like a carpool to orbit where multiple small satellites from different companies and countries get their shot at the stars.
2. Isar Aerospace – Spectrum (Jan 17): This is a huge moment for the European tech scene. Launching from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway, a successful second flight would solidify Isar as a major player in the small-launch market.
3. NROL-105 (Jan 17): There is always a bit of mystery and “spy-movie” energy around NRO launches. These are heavy-duty, high-importance satellites for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

The Big Picture: Why We Keep Going Up

I often get asked if we’re putting “too much stuff” up there. Between the Starlink constellations and the various “Unknown Payloads” from China’s Long March rockets, the sky is getting crowded. But when I see missions like BlueBird Block 2 (AST SpaceMobile), which aims to provide direct-to-cell satellite broadband, I’m reminded of the goal: connecting every single person on Earth, no matter how remote.

We are building a digital shell around our planet that will eventually act as the foundation for the next era of human communication and AI-driven logistics. It’s messy, it’s expensive, but as someone who loves technology, it’s the most exciting construction project in history.

If you could hitch a ride on any of these rockets, where would you want to go—a high-earth orbit to see the whole planet, or just high enough to experience zero gravity for a few minutes? I’d go for the full view!

You Might Also Like;

• The Mystery of the Far Side: What Is Hiding in the Lunar Shadows? | Metaverse Planet
• The Doomsday Clock Hits 85 Seconds to Midnight: Are We Out of Time?
• Nvidia’s AI Can Now Predict the Future (Of Weather)