Family-level launch record combining canonical variants, historical missions, public cadence forecasts, and available payload performance specs.
Historical missions are grouped by actual launch year. Forecast cadence uses family-level launch-rate rows.
| Year | Historical missions | Forecast launches |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 | 3 |
| 2027 | 0 | 3 |
| 2028 | 0 | 4 |
| 2029 | 0 | 5 |
| 2030 | 0 | 6 |
| 2031 | 0 | 6 |
| 2032 | 0 | 6 |
| 2033 | 0 | 5 |
| 2034 | 0 | 5 |
| 2035 | 0 | 5 |
| 2036 | 0 | 5 |
| 2037 | 0 | 5 |
Payload capacity by variant and target orbit when structured capacity rows are available.
| Variant | Orbit | Capacity | Altitude | Inclination | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Falcon Heavy | LEO | 63,800 kg | Unknown | Unknown | SpaceX Falcon Heavy vehicle page |
Falcon Heavy | LEO | 57,000 kg | Unknown | Unknown | Falcon Heavy - Wikipedia (Elon Musk public statement, ~10% payload penalty vs 63.8t expendable) |
Latest launched missions using variants in this family.
| Mission | Variant | Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Viasat 3F3 | Falcon Heavy | Apr 29, 2026 |
| Europa Clipper Mission | Falcon Heavy | Oct 14, 2024 |
| GOES U | Falcon Heavy | Jun 25, 2024 |
| X-37B OTV FLT-7 |
Canonical variants rolled up into this launch vehicle family.
| Variant | Stages | Missions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Falcon Heavy | Not stated | 12 | Active |
| 2038 | 0 | 5 |
| 2039 | 0 | 5 |
| 2040 | 0 | 5 |
| 2041 | 0 | 5 |
2 launch locations represented.
| Year | Location | Launches | Confidence | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 3 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2026 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 0 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2027 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 3 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2027 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 0 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2028 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 3 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2028 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 1 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2029 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 3 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2029 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 2 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2030 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 3 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2030 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2031 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 3 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2031 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2032 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 3 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2032 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2033 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 2 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2033 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2034 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 2 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2034 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2035 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 2 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2035 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2036 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 2 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2036 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
| 2037 | Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida) | 2 | 65% | Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historica... |
| 2037 | Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg AFB (South Vandenberg AFB, California) | 3 | 50% | Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/ye... |
Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historical sporadic cadence a...
Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/year.
Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historical sporadic cadence a...
Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/year.
Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historical sporadic cadence a...
Falcon Heavy | LEO | 30,000 kg | Unknown | Unknown | Falcon Heavy - Wikipedia (Elon Musk public statement, Sept 2017) |
Falcon Heavy | GTO | 26,700 kg | Unknown | 28.5 deg | SpaceX Falcon Heavy vehicle page |
Falcon Heavy | escape | 16,800 kg | Unknown | Unknown | SpaceX Falcon Heavy vehicle page |
Falcon Heavy | GTO | 16,000 kg | Unknown | Unknown | Falcon Heavy - Wikipedia (citing SpaceX Capabilities & Services spec sheet) |
Falcon Heavy | GTO | 8,000 kg | Unknown | Unknown | Falcon Heavy - Wikipedia (citing SpaceX Capabilities & Services spec sheet) |
Falcon Heavy |
| Dec 29, 2023 |
| Psyche Mission | Falcon Heavy | Oct 13, 2023 |
| Jupiter 3 Mission | Falcon Heavy | Jul 29, 2023 |
| Viasat-3.1 | Falcon Heavy | May 1, 2023 |
| USSF-67 | Falcon Heavy | Jan 15, 2023 |
Upcoming mission rows with announced launch timing.
| Mission | Variant | Announced |
|---|---|---|
No forecasted missionsNo upcoming announced mission rows are linked to this vehicle family. | ||
Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/year.
Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historical sporadic cadence a...
Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/year.
Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historical sporadic cadence a...
Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/year.
Falcon Heavy remains a low-cadence high-energy/national-security vehicle until Starship is fully operational. Base holds at 2-3/year, consistent with historical sporadic cadence a...
Vandenberg SLC-6 authorization permits up to five Falcon Heavy launches/landings per year, but actual polar-heavy demand is likely sparse. Base matures at 3/year.
The upper stage of Falcon Heavy uses the Merlin engine, which avoids liquid hydrogen boiloff issues.
SpaceX performed 134 Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches in 2024, up from 96 in 2023.
Astranis’ previous satellite Arcturus launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in April 2023 and experienced failure of two onboard solar array drive assemblies.
SpaceX conducted more than 120 Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches so far 2024, providing a contrast in flight rates with European launch providers.
SpaceX conducted more than 120 orbital launches 2024 using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy vehicles.
NASA awarded a contract to SpaceX on 2024-11-25 valued at $256,600,000 for the Falcon Heavy launch and related services for Dragonfly during a launch window running from 2024-07-05 to 2028-07-25.
NASA selected SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy to launch the Dragonfly mission to Titan in 2028.
NASA awarded SpaceX a $331,800,000 contract in 2021 for the Falcon Heavy launch of the first two elements of the lunar Gateway that required an extended payload fairing and additional prelaunch processing.
NASA paid $178,000,000 under a 2021 contract for the Falcon Heavy launch of Europa Clipper, which launched 2024-10-14.
NASA paid $117,000,000 under a 2020 contract for the Falcon Heavy launch of the Psyche asteroid mission, which launched in 2023.
Haven-2 will be constructed in phases, starting with a single module launched on a Falcon Heavy in 2028.
NASA spent $178 million on the Falcon Heavy launch, which was less than a tenth of the estimated cost of a single SLS launch.
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched NASA’s Europa Clipper mission from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:06 p.m. EDT on 2024-10-14.
NASA's Falcon Heavy launched the $5 billion Europa Clipper mission from the Kennedy Space Center.
The Falcon Heavy first-stage boosters supporting the Europa Clipper launch flew their sixth and final mission on 2024-10-14 after previously launching NASA’s Psyche, USSF-44, USSF-52, USSF-67, and Hughes JUPITER 3.
On September 17, 2023, the FAA announced its intent to fine SpaceX approximately $663,000 for violations related to Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch licenses.
During the Falcon Heavy launch countdown, FAA officials raised issues regarding an unapproved fuel tank farm, which was already approved by range safety officials.
Polaris Dawn needed to launch by the end of the week or face further delays likely to no earlier than October so SpaceX could prepare LC-39A for the 2024-10-10 launch of NASA’s Europa Clipper on a Falcon Heavy.
The Europa Clipper mission is scheduled to launch in a three-week window that opens 2024-10-10 on a Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center.
Europa Clipper is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy during a three-week window that opens 2024-10-10.