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SpaceX Starship test program 2026

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2026-08-10 22:23 UTC → 2026-08-11 06:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, SpaceX launched Starship Flight 13 from Starbase, achieving its sub‑orbital test objectives after earlier delays. The mission utilized the Block 3 configuration, featuring a Super Heavy B20 booster with 33 Raptor 3 engines and a Starship S40 upper stage with six Raptor engines. The flight successfully deployed 20 next‑generation Starlink Version 3 satellites, which utilized onboard cameras to capture the first in‑orbit video of the vehicle’s heat shield and engine firings. Following ascent, the booster performed a boost‑back maneuver and executed a hard splash‑down in the Gulf of Mexico. The Starship upper stage achieved a controlled splash‑down in the Indian Ocean, where it remained afloat for over a week. While the vehicle remained largely intact, post‑flight analysis noted wear on ceramic tiles, providing critical data on thermal‑shield performance for future lunar and Mars missions. The flight also successfully demonstrated an in‑space Raptor engine restart. Recent updates following the 13th flight indicate that atmospheric reentry observations showed less wear on the thermal protection shield than previously expected. Although SpaceX attempted to tow the upper stage toward the coast of Western Australia, Elon Musk noted that “a full recovery is unlikely due to the vehicle's current condition.” SpaceX is now preparing for the 14th test flight, which aims to deploy additional Starlink V3 satellites and attempt a first‑of‑its‑kind recovery of the upper stage on land. This planned maneuver involves attempting to capture the upper stage using the launch tower’s mechanical arms in Texas, a technique previously used for the Super Heavy booster. Such milestones are viewed as essential steps toward SpaceX’s goal of a fully reusable orbital launch system and a potential launch cadence of one flight per day.

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