United States clears SpaceX for Starship Flight 13 launch
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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has formally closed its mishap investigation into SpaceX’s Starship Flight 12, conducted on May 22, 2026, clearing the way for the next test mission. In a statement on Monday, July 13, 2026, the FAA said the Flight 12 booster was lost due to heat effects on propulsion components during ascent and incorrect engine alarm settings. No public injuries or damage were reported. SpaceX has implemented four corrective hardware and software configuration changes. With these measures in place, the FAA has authorized Starship Flight 13, targeted for launch on July 16, 2026 from Starbase in South Texas.
Timeline
- May 22, 2026 Flight 12 launches, recovery mishap occurs
- Late May 2026 FAA opens formal mishap investigation
- June 2026 SpaceX develops four corrective measures
- July 13, 2026 FAA closes Flight 12 investigation
- July 13, 2026 Agency details two root causes
- July 13, 2026 FAA confirms no public injuries
- July 13, 2026 FAA authorizes Starship Flight 13 operations
- July 16, 2026 Starship Flight 13 launch targeted
Sources
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