News
SpaceX eyes two Falcon 9 rocket launches, landings in eleven hours [update: just Starlink]
Update #2: The GPS III SV04 mission’s Falcon 9 rocket aborted its October 2nd launch attempt just two seconds before liftoff. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says the vehicle’s flight computer detected an “unexpected pressure rise in the turbomachinery gas generator” of at least one of new booster B1062’s nine Merlin 1D engines. Given that Musk explicitly pointed to propulsion hardware rather than an out-of-family sensor, a substantial delay is likely.
Update: For unknown reasons, SpaceX appears to have delayed the Starlink-12 launch to October 5th. GPS III SV04 is still on track to launch tonight.
SpaceX appears to be targeting two separate Falcon 9 launches less than eleven hours apart after a pad sensor scrubbed the company’s latest Starlink-12 launch attempt.
SpaceX’s 12th operational Starlink launch and 13th overall, the mission is now up to its fourth aborted launch attempt after a weather delay on September 17th, an unspecified delay on September 27th, a weather delay on September 29th, and a ground systems delay on October 1st. Starlink-12 is now scheduled to lift off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A (KSC Pad 39A) no earlier than (NET) 8:34 am EDT (12:34 UTC) on Saturday, October 3rd.
Up first, though, is SpaceX’s third upgraded GPS III satellite launch (Space Vehicle 04) for the US military – effectively ready to go since a few days after the Falcon 9 rocket’s September 25th static fire. Delayed from September 29th and 30th by United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) own Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 launch delays, SpaceX has confirmed that Falcon 9 is scheduled to launch GPS III SV04 NET 9:43 pm EDT (1:43 UTC) on Friday, October 2nd.
The only reason SpaceX is able to even consider attempting both East Coast Falcon 9 launches hours apart is the activation of a second drone ship (formerly based in California) earlier this year. Known as Just Read The Instructions (JRTI), the drone ship was upgraded with expanded power output and stronger thrusters and joined Of Course I Still Love You (OCISLY) in Port Canaveral, Florida. JRTI completed its first East Coast Falcon booster landing in June 2020 and both ships have more or less split recovery attempts in the months since.
While SpaceX could technically launch East Coast missions almost simultaneously by landing one booster at sea and the other on land, the performance required from Falcon 9 for GPS III SV04 and Starlink-12 necessitates drone ship landings for both missions. Coincidentally, the missions’ launch trajectories are extremely similar, meaning that drone ship JRTI (GPS III SV04) and OCISLY (Starlink-12) are stationed just ~50 km (~30 mi) apart in the Atlantic Ocean.
Twin recovery ships GO Ms. Tree and GO Ms. Chief – outfitted with giant nets – will also be present at at least one of the two missions, each attempting to catch one of Falcon 9’s payload fairing halves.
If both missions launch on schedule and Falcon 9 boosters B1062 (GPS III SV04) and B1058 successful land aboard their respective drone ships, SpaceX could end up with two drone ships – both carrying Falcon boosters – returning to Port Canaveral at almost the same time, possibly creating the first Falcon booster traffic jam.
Weather is currently 70% and 60% go for SpaceX’s GPS III SV04 and Starlink-12 launches. Tune in around 9:25 pm EDT (01:25 UTC) to catch the first of two SpaceX launch webcasts.
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A Tesla Semi was involved in a fatal collision on U.S. Highway 50 in Dayton, Nevada, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, marking the first known fatal crash involving the electric Class 8 truck. The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. at the intersection with Traditions Parkway, approximately 40 miles east of Reno and close to Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada.
According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol, a semi-truck struck two passenger vehicles stopped at a traffic signal. The truck hit the vehicles from behind. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third person suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to a hospital, Forbes reported.
Preliminary statements gathered at the scene by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office suggested the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. However, the Nevada Highway Patrol, which is leading the investigation, stated that the official cause has not yet been determined.
Additional information is expected to be released early the following week. The truck was seized for evidence as part of the ongoing probe.
Responders at the scene included deputies from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the Nevada Highway Patrol, Central Lyon County Fire Department, and the Nevada Department of Transportation. The crash led to the temporary closure of U.S. 50 in both directions.
The Tesla Semi is Tesla’s battery-electric heavy-duty truck, produced at the nearby Gigafactory in Nevada. Authorities initially described the vehicle as a semi-truck; its make was subsequently confirmed through reporting and scene identification; an interesting bit of information here, as the Semi is not yet available publicly and many do not know that Tesla builds electric trucks.
The investigation remains active, with no further official details on contributing factors or vehicle systems released as of early July 2026.
This incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of commercial vehicle safety on Nevada highways, particularly involving fatigue. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and witness statements.
Tesla has expanded its Robotaxi program to Miami, Florida, marking the third state the autonomous ride-hailing platform has made its way to since launching last Summer.
Tesla announced today that the Robotaxi suite would now officially launch rides in a geofence in Miami:
🚨 Tesla’s “Long Weekend” continues with a HUGE announcement regarding Robotaxi!
It’s now in Miami!
Miami joins Austin, Dallas, Houston, and the Bay Area! https://t.co/ujjYjJT3Im pic.twitter.com/yPe1ZdSQIE
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) July 3, 2026
The first geofence in Miami covers approximately 10 to 14 square miles. The area appears to be focused on western and central Miami, including Miami International Airport (MIA). It also includes popular routes like SR 826 (Palmetto Expressway), US 41 (Tamiami Trail), and connectors such as SR 968, 953, 959, and 972.
This is Tesla’s initial Miami launch zone, smaller and more targeted than some competitors’ areas (for example, Waymo’s initial rollout was broader in eastern neighborhoods). It prioritizes high-traffic, airport-linked routes before wider expansion.
The expansion is a huge signal for Tesla that it is now operating in Florida, a heavy-traffic state with many tourist areas, including Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and the Boynton area, all of which are coastal and will attract perhaps millions of tourists in any given year.
¿Qué lo que Miami?
Robotaxi now available in Miami pic.twitter.com/P1m283seZU
— Tesla Robotaxi (@robotaxi) July 3, 2026
The Tesla Robotaxi network launched last year on June 22, in Austin, Texas, beginning limited commercial operations in that city. It expanded shortly thereafter into the San Francisco Bay Area of California in late July 2025, marking entry into a second state with service covering key areas such as San Francisco, San Jose, and Berkeley.
Full commercial service was achieved in Austin by November 18, 2025, strengthening its presence within Texas before further growth.
In 2026, the network continued expanding across Texas with the addition of Dallas and Houston on April 18, significantly broadening its footprint in the state. This new launch into Miami marks Tesla entering a new state and bringing active locations to include Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio in Texas, and the Bay Area in California.
These sequential expansions have steadily increased the network’s reach across major metropolitan areas in Texas, California, and Florida, focusing on scaling operations city by city and state by state since the initial Austin debut.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has tempered expectations for the company’s humanoid robot Optimus, emphasizing that initial production will ramp up slowly despite recent progress on the manufacturing line. In a July 1 reply on X, Musk responded to optimistic community speculation by stating, “No, Optimus production will be extremely slow at first, as everything is new. This is not like making a car.”
No, Optimus production will be extremely slow at first, as everything is new. This is not like making a car.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 1, 2026
The comment came in response to a post theorizing that Tesla had accelerated Optimus V3 development and might soon unveil an impressive demonstration with multiple units already in meaningful production. Musk’s clarification highlights the fundamental differences between scaling a novel humanoid robot and Tesla’s established automotive operations, which benefit from over a century of refined supply chains, tooling, and processes.
Recent updates show tangible advancement. Musk shared a photo of himself walking the Optimus production line at Fremont, where Tesla is converting former Model S/X manufacturing space. According to Q1 2026 earnings commentary, limited production is slated to begin in late July or August 2026 on this converted line.
Tesla Optimus project fires up as Musk sees production line progress
Musk previously noted that Optimus features roughly 10,000 unique parts, making early output rates “literally impossible to predict” and describing them as “quite slow.” A larger dedicated factory at Giga Texas is under construction, targeting higher-volume production around summer 2027 with long-term annual capacity potentially reaching millions of units.
Some experts point out that pioneering humanoid robotics demands inventing new automation techniques, actuator supply chains, and quality-control standards in real time. Unlike vehicles, where components and assembly methods are mature, every element of Optimus—from dexterous hands to AI-integrated movement—requires fresh engineering solutions. Early units are expected to handle simple factory tasks before expanding to more complex roles.
This cautious approach aligns with Tesla’s history of under-promising and over-delivering on complex technologies. While enthusiasts hoped for rapid deployment, Musk’s message underscores a deliberate strategy: prioritize reliability and iterative improvement over rushed volume.
Analysts suggest the S-curve ramp typical of new manufacturing will eventually accelerate once foundational issues are resolved, positioning Optimus as a potential trillion-dollar product line.
Musk has long envisioned Optimus transforming labor markets, assisting in homes, factories, and hazardous environments. By setting realistic timelines, Tesla aims to build sustainable momentum rather than risk disappointment. As the Fremont line comes online this summer, investors and fans will watch closely for the first production metrics and capability demonstrations.
Tesla Semi involved in first known fatal crash in Nevada
Tesla expands Robotaxi to Florida, marking its third state for autonomy
