W-Series Spacecraft

Eight missions launched since 2023. W-8 and W-9 flew together on SpaceX Transporter-18 on Oct. 1, 2026, and the launch release does not say they have returned. Five capsules have been recovered. The W-4 mission page labels May 10, 2026 as the reentry date, while the text says operators deorbited the demo vehicle to reduce its orbital life rather than recovering it. Company releases on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 count six successful reentries; that count matches five recoveries plus the labeled W-4 deorbit, not a sixth parachute landing. The W-7 page, retrieved Oct. 19, 2026, still says scheduled and lists launch date Oct 2026, with no day or rideshare.

Missions Flown

8 launched

(W-1 through W-6, plus W-8 and W-9 on Oct. 1, 2026); 5 capsules recovered; W-4 page labels reentry date May 10, 2026 for a disposal deorbit; W-7 still scheduled, launch date Oct 2026, unflown as of Oct. 19, 2026

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Reentry Speed

Over 18,000 mph, more than Mach 25

Recovery

Parachute landing at Koonibba Test Range, South Australia

Manufacturing

Full spacecraft built in-house in El Segundo since W-4

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  Active

  Reentry & Hypersonic Testbed

  The W-Series capsule sold as a flight environment rather than a factory: a repeatable, low-cost way for defense and civil customers to test thermal protection materials, sensors, and guidance systems in real hypersonic reentry conditions.

  Testbed Flights in 2026

  2

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  Active

  Falcon 9

  SpaceX

  Partially reusable two-stage medium-lift launch vehicle. The world's most frequently launched orbital rocket.

  Payload to LEO

  22,800 kg (expendable)

  Payload to GTO

  8,300 kg (expendable)

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  Active

  Falcon Heavy

  SpaceX

  Heavy-lift launch vehicle consisting of a strengthened Falcon 9 core with two additional boosters.

  Payload to LEO

  63,800 kg

  Payload to GTO

  26,700 kg

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  Active

  Dragon

  SpaceX

  Reusable spacecraft for cargo and crew transport to the International Space Station.

  Crew Capacity

  Up to 7

  Cargo Capacity (pressurized)

  6,000 kg

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  In Development

  Starship

  SpaceX

  Fully reusable super-heavy-lift launch system designed for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. V3 (Block 3) variant with Raptor 3 engines is the production version.

  Payload to LEO

  100–150 t

  Height

  121 m (397 ft)