SpaceX Launches Luxembourg Earth-Observation Satellite and More

SpaceX successfully launched a new Earth-observation satellite along with seven additional smaller satellites from California on August 26, 2025. The mission featured the National Advanced Optical System (NAOS), developed for the Luxembourg government by OHB Italia. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 18:53 GMT (2:53 p.m. EDT or 11:53 a.m. PDT), marking another milestone in SpaceX’s extensive launch history.

The launch was streamed live on SpaceX’s website and various platforms, with coverage beginning approximately 15 minutes before liftoff. Viewers were able to witness the impressive send-off of the Falcon 9 rocket as it embarked on its 104th mission of 2025 and the 522nd since its first flight in 2010.

Payload Overview and Mission Objectives

The primary payload, NAOS, aims to enhance Earth observation capabilities. It is equipped with advanced imaging technologies to provide detailed data for environmental monitoring and resource management. Furthermore, in addition to NAOS, the Falcon 9 carried smaller satellites from various companies, enhancing the mission’s diversity and technological significance.

Among the secondary payloads were Dhruva Space’s LEAP-1, which includes an artificial intelligence module and a hyperspectral imager, as well as multiple satellites from Planet, specifically Pelican-3 and Pelican-4, intended to expand their Earth-imaging constellation. Exolaunch contributed two satellites, Acadia-6 from Capella, which utilizes synthetic aperture radar technology, and three nanosatellites from Pixxel, known as FFLY-1, FFLY-2, and FFLY-3, designed for high-frequency hyperspectral imaging.

Each of these payloads serves distinct purposes, from commercial observation to technological demonstration, showcasing the growing collaboration between private companies and governmental entities in the space sector.

Launch and Recovery Details

Approximately 12 minutes into the flight, the deployment of NAOS was successfully executed, followed by the release of the remaining secondary payloads over the next hour. The Falcon 9’s first stage was scheduled to execute a recovery operation at Landing Zone-4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg. If successful, this recovery would mark the 27th for booster B1063, demonstrating SpaceX’s commitment to reusability and sustainability in space exploration.

This launch underscores the increasing role of private companies in space missions, particularly in collaboration with national governments for Earth monitoring and scientific research. SpaceX continues to lead the industry with its innovative approaches and successful launch records, paving the way for future missions and technological advancements.

As the space industry evolves, missions like this one not only enhance our understanding of Earth but also contribute to the larger narrative of global cooperation in scientific exploration and environmental stewardship.