diff --git a/tools/btconsole.py b/tools/btconsole.py
index 0ee91bc..323b57f 100644
--- a/tools/btconsole.py
+++ b/tools/btconsole.py
@@ -414,6 +414,26 @@ class Relay:
         return sum(1 for c in self.console_conns if c.acked)
 
     def _check_launch_gate(self):
+        # BACK-TO-BACK MISSIONS (2026-07-18): a previous mission finished
+        # (launches_sent==2) and now all seats have RE-ACKED -- i.e. every pod
+        # exited, re-ran join.bat, and reconnected fresh.  Reset the launch
+        # state so the relay (and the operator's LAUNCH button) re-arm for a
+        # new round -- no Stop/Start needed.  The binary needs nothing: a
+        # rejoined pod is a brand-new process at WaitingForLaunch.  (Only ever
+        # reached on a pod ACK, which never happens mid-mission.)
+        if self.launches_sent >= 2 and self._pods_ready() >= len(self.roster):
+            print("[relay] all seats rejoined after the last mission -- "
+                  "re-arming for a NEW mission", flush=True)
+            self.launches_sent = 0
+            self.stop_sent = False
+            self.stop_requested = False
+            self.mission_started_at = None
+            self.launch_at = None
+            self.launch_requested = False
+            self._launch_blocked_warned = False
+            self.eggs_done_at = None
+            # fall through -> the normal gate re-prints WAITING FOR OPERATOR
+
         # GLOBAL launch: arm the timer when the LAST pod has ACKED its egg
         # (auto mode), or wait for the operator's 'launch' command (manual
         # mode -- the operator app's Launch button writes it to our stdin).
@@ -522,6 +542,11 @@ class Relay:
               f"{len(self.console_conns)} pod(s)", flush=True)
         if self.launches_sent == 2:
             self.mission_started_at = time.time()
+            # CONSUME the launch: clear the timer + the request so the NEXT
+            # LAUNCH press is a fresh, deliberate new-mission request (else the
+            # back-to-back block would re-fire while this mission is running).
+            self.launch_at = None
+            self.launch_requested = False
             if self.mission_length > 0:
                 print(f"[relay] mission clock: {self.mission_length:.0f}s "
                       "(StopMission at expiry)", flush=True)
diff --git a/tools/btoperator.py b/tools/btoperator.py
index d4db344..6dfe97b 100644
--- a/tools/btoperator.py
+++ b/tools/btoperator.py
@@ -85,7 +85,12 @@ class SessionMonitor:
                 self.eggs = int(m.group(1))
                 changed = True
             if self.RE_RELAY_READY.search(line):
+                # WAITING FOR OPERATOR = pods are ready to launch.  Reset
+                # `launched` so the LAUNCH button re-enables -- this fires
+                # again for a NEW mission after the pods rejoin (back-to-back
+                # missions, 2026-07-18), not only the first time.
                 self.ready = True
+                self.launched = False
                 changed = True
             m = self.RE_RELAY_REG.search(line)
             if m: