Hey everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today, December 15, 2025, is looking like a pretty busy day in the world of space launches. We’ve got a few things lined up, from international missions to SpaceX’s continued Starlink deployments. It’s always exciting when there’s a nasa launch today, or any launch for that matter, and we’re here to break down what’s on the schedule. Let’s get right into it!
Key Takeaways
- On December 15, 2025, we’re expecting a launch from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation using a Long March 4C rocket, though the payload is currently unknown.
- The United Launch Alliance is slated to launch an Atlas V rocket carrying Amazon Leo satellites on December 16th.
- SpaceX has two Starlink missions scheduled for December 16th, one launching from Florida and another from California.
- Looking ahead, international launches include China’s Long March 12A inaugural flight and Arianespace’s Ariane 6 carrying Galileo satellites.
- Future NASA endeavors like the Artemis II mission to the moon and SpaceX’s ambitious Dragonfly mission to Titan are also on the horizon, highlighting ongoing exploration efforts.
Today’s NASA Launch Schedule: December 15, 2025
Alright folks, let’s talk about what’s happening in the world of space launches today, December 15th, 2025. While NASA itself doesn’t have a launch scheduled for today, the global space community is certainly busy. It’s a bit of a mixed bag out there, with some missions getting pushed back slightly, which is pretty common in this line of work. Weather and technical checks can really throw a wrench in the best-laid plans, you know?
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation: Long March 4C
Over in China, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is slated to launch an unknown payload using their Long March 4C rocket. This liftoff is expected late tonight, around 10:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, which will be early morning on December 16th for those keeping track in Greenwich Mean Time. The launch site for this mission is the Taiyuan Space Launch Site.
Launch Site and Payload Details
It’s always a bit of a mystery when the payload is "unknown," isn’t it? We’ll have to wait and see what CASC is sending up. For the Long March 4C, it’s a workhorse rocket, often used for Earth observation satellites and other scientific missions. The Taiyuan launch site is one of China’s main facilities, located in the Shanxi province. It’s pretty standard for these kinds of launches to happen under the cover of darkness to take advantage of atmospheric conditions and air traffic control.
It’s worth noting that launch schedules can shift. Things like weather, technical readiness, and even international coordination can cause delays. So, while today is the target, always keep an eye out for updates if you’re following a specific mission closely.
Key Launches Scheduled for December 15th
Alright, let’s talk about what’s actually going up today, December 15th, 2025. It’s a pretty busy day in the launch world, with a couple of big players getting ready to send their rockets skyward.
First up, we’ve got United Launch Alliance (ULA) with their Atlas V 551 rocket. This mission is heading up to deploy satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, aiming to bring broadband internet to more places. It’s scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This is a big one for Amazon’s constellation efforts.
Then, SpaceX is back in action with not one, but two Falcon 9 launches planned for today. One is a Starlink mission launching from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The other Starlink mission is heading up from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Both are part of SpaceX’s massive effort to build out their Starlink internet network.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- ULA: Atlas V 551 Mission
- SpaceX: Falcon 9 Starlink Mission (Florida Launch)
- SpaceX: Falcon 9 Starlink Mission (California Launch)
It’s always exciting to see these missions get underway, and you can keep up with all the planned launches for 2025 on our space calendar.
Keep in mind, launch schedules can shift, so it’s good to stay updated if you’re following along closely.
Upcoming Missions Beyond December 15th
While today, December 15th, 2025, is packed with launches, the space calendar keeps rolling. There are some pretty interesting missions lined up just around the corner, and a few further out that are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
United Launch Alliance: Atlas V for Amazon Leo
Just a day after today, on December 16th, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This mission, designated LA-04 by Amazon, will carry 27 satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. This is part of their big plan to create a low Earth orbit broadband internet constellation. It’s actually been pushed back a bit from its original December 15th slot due to weather, so fingers crossed for a smooth launch this time.
SpaceX: Falcon 9 for Starlink 6-99
Also on December 16th, SpaceX has another Falcon 9 launch planned, this time from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This flight, Starlink 6-99, will add another 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to the growing constellation. The first stage booster for this mission is B1094, making its sixth flight. It’s expected to land on the drone ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ out in the Atlantic.
SpaceX: Falcon 9 for Starlink 15-13
And if that wasn’t enough SpaceX action for one day, another Falcon 9 launch is slated for December 16th, but this one is heading out from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission, Starlink 15-13, will also deploy 27 Starlink V2 Mini satellites. The booster, B1063, is a seasoned veteran, flying for its 30th time, and will aim for a landing on the drone ship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ in the Pacific.
It’s pretty wild to see how many Starlink missions SpaceX is running. They’ve got thousands of these satellites up there already, providing internet to folks all over the globe. It’s a massive undertaking, and seeing them launch so frequently really shows the scale of their operation.
International Launch Activities
It’s not just NASA and SpaceX making waves in space today. The global launch calendar is packed, showing just how much activity is happening beyond U.S. borders. Several international players have significant missions on the books, highlighting a diverse range of capabilities and objectives.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation: Long March 12A Inaugural Flight
Today marks a big moment for China’s space program with the inaugural flight of the Long March 12A rocket. This is a pretty big deal because it’s CASC’s first try at an orbital-class rocket with a reusable first stage. They’re aiming for a vertical landing of that booster downrange, which could be a game-changer for future missions. It’s scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Arianespace: Ariane 6 Galileo Launch
Over in French Guiana, Arianespace is gearing up for a crucial launch of the Ariane 6 rocket. This mission is carrying two Galileo First Generation satellites, SAT 33 and SAT 34. These satellites are part of Europe’s own navigation system, similar to GPS. They’ll be heading to a medium Earth orbit, about 23,222 kilometers up. This launch is really important for the continued expansion and operation of the Galileo constellation.
Innospace: Hanbit-Nano Spaceward Mission
From Brazil’s Alcântara Launch Center, we have Innospace, a commercial company, launching its first Hanbit-Nano rocket. This rocket, standing about 21.8 meters tall, is on the Spaceward mission. It’s designed to carry eight payloads, including five satellites and three experimental devices, to an altitude of 300 kilometers. This is a significant step for Innospace as they enter the small satellite launch market.
Future Missions and Programs
Looking ahead, NASA and its partners have some seriously exciting stuff lined up. It’s not just about what’s launching today; the future of space exploration is being built right now.
NASA’s Artemis II Mission
This is a big one, folks. Artemis II is planned to send four astronauts on a journey around the Moon. It’s a 10-day trip, and it’s a major step towards getting humans back to the lunar surface. The launch is slated for sometime between February 5th and April 2026, launching from Kennedy Space Center. This mission is all about testing out the Orion spacecraft and its life support systems with a crew aboard, pushing the boundaries of what we can do out there.
SpaceX: Dragonfly Mission to Titan
Now, this is a bit further out, but incredibly cool. SpaceX is working on a mission called Dragonfly, which is headed to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Titan is fascinating because it has a thick atmosphere and liquid on its surface, kind of like Earth, but with methane instead of water. The plan is to send a rotorcraft lander – basically a drone – to explore the moon’s surface. It’s a long-term project, with no firm launch date yet, but it promises to give us a whole new perspective on worlds beyond our own.
United Launch Alliance: Vulcan Centaur Missions
United Launch Alliance (ULA) has a lot of faith in their new Vulcan Centaur rocket. They’ve got a couple of key missions coming up that really show its versatility. One is for the U.S. Space Force, carrying a Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellite. This mission, USSF-87, is expected to launch with four boosters. Then there’s the Amazon Leo mission, which will carry a whopping 44 satellites for Amazon’s constellation. This one will use six boosters, making it the most powerful configuration for the Vulcan. Both of these are still TBD, but the hardware is getting ready at Cape Canaveral.
Wrapping Up December 15th’s Space Schedule
So, that’s the rundown for December 15th, 2025. It looks like a pretty busy day in space, with a few launches planned. Remember, these dates can shift around, so it’s always a good idea to double-check closer to the actual day if you’re following along. Space is always moving, and it’s exciting to see what’s happening up there. We’ll keep an eye on things for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘NET’ mean for a launch date?
‘NET’ stands for ‘No Earlier Than.’ This means the launch can happen on that date or any date after it. It’s not a fixed launch time, just the earliest possible day.
Why do launch dates often change?
Rocket launches are super complex! Dates can change for many reasons, like bad weather, technical issues with the rocket or its payload, or even because of other missions needing the launchpad. Safety is always the top priority.
What is a Starlink mission?
Starlink is a project by SpaceX to create a network of satellites in space. These satellites beam internet down to Earth, aiming to provide fast internet service to many places around the world, especially areas that don’t have good internet now.
What is Project Kuiper?
Project Kuiper is Amazon’s plan to launch a group of satellites that will also provide internet service globally. It’s similar to Starlink, with the goal of connecting people everywhere.
What is the Artemis II mission?
Artemis II is a big NASA mission. It’s planned to send astronauts on a trip around the Moon and back. This is a crucial step for NASA’s goal of eventually sending humans to Mars.
Where can I find the most up-to-date launch information?
Launch schedules can change quickly! For the latest details, it’s best to check official NASA websites, the social media accounts of the launch providers like SpaceX and ULA, or reputable space news sites that track launches closely.
