Rockets Take Flight and Face Delays on August 26, 2025

WENCHANG, CHINA (26 August 2025) - China’s Long March 8A rocket lifted off at 3:09 AM local time from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan. Operated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the two-stage liquid-fueled launcher successfully deployed its classified payload. The Philippine Space Agency later issued advisory notices warning of potential debris drop zones in the South China Sea, including areas near El Nido, Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, and Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIFORNIA (26 August 2025) - At 2:53 PM EDT, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket roared off Space Launch Complex 4E, carrying the NAOS (National Advanced Optical System) satellite for OHB Italia. The deployment marked another milestone in Earth-observation capabilities, with the vehicle’s first-stage booster returning to a successful landing at Landing Zone 4.

STARBASE, TEXAS (26 August 2025) - SpaceX’s highly anticipated 10th test flight of its Super Heavy Starship was scrubbed minutes before liftoff due to unfavorable weather conditions, including anvil clouds and lightning risk. Elon Musk confirmed the delay via social media, citing the need to ensure both vehicle integrity and range safety at the South Texas launch facility. Continuous efforts are under way to reset the launch for the earliest available window.