SpaceX targets September 15 for Starship flight to deploy Starlink V3 satellites

SpaceX is preparing for the 14th test flight of its Starship rocket, a mission that marks a transition from purely experimental testing to revenue-generating operations. According to an application filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the company has targeted September 15 for the launch.

The primary objective of this mission is the deployment of Starlink V3 satellites into operational orbit to increase constellation capacity. While previous flights focused on testing engines, stage separation, and thermal shields, this mission will combine engineering goals with economically significant cargo. SpaceX Chief Financial Officer Bret Johnsen noted that this flight represents the first Starship mission capable of generating revenue.

Preparations are well underway, with Ship 41 recently completing a successful 60-second static-fire test of all six Raptor engines. This milestone is considered one of the final major ground tests before assembly and launch.