SCIENCE

United States sets July 2026 Starship test

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Read, Watch or Listen

SpaceX has scheduled the thirteenth test flight of its Starship rocket system for Thursday, July 16, 2026, from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The 90‑minute launch window is planned for late afternoon. Flight 13 will be the second mission to use the redesigned Version 3 configuration, following Flight 12 on May 22, 2026, which successfully landed the Starship upper stage in the Indian Ocean but lost the Super Heavy booster during its return. In response, SpaceX has implemented extensive hardware and software upgrades to improve Super Heavy engine relight reliability and achieve a controlled landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

May 22, 2026 Starship V3 first flight
May 22, 2026 Upper stage lands Indian Ocean
May 22, 2026 Super Heavy booster return anomaly
May 2026 Booster loses engines, impacts Gulf
After May 2026 Engineers redesign propulsion, software
Recently SpaceX confirms Flight 13 mission objectives
July 16, 2026 Planned 90-minute afternoon window
July 16, 2026 Targeted launch from Starbase Texas

Why This Matters to You

SpaceX's Starship tests are pushing the boundaries of space travel. If successful, these missions could make space more accessible, potentially impacting everything from tourism to satellite deployment. Keep an eye on the July 16 launch to see history in the making.

The Bottom Line

SpaceX is learning from past challenges to improve future missions. Their focus on engine reliability and controlled landings could mean safer, more efficient space travel. Worth forwarding if you know someone fascinated by the future of exploration.