Space
Starship's 13th Flight Test Released
Wed, July 15, 2026 at 5:45 PM CDT
Released
Wed, July 15, 2026 at 5:45 PM CDT
87 days ago
The 13th flight test utilizes the Block 3 vehicle configuration, pairing Booster 20 with Ship 40 for a launch from Pad 2. Primary objectives for the booster include executing powered ascent, stage separation, a boostback burn, and an offshore landing burn in the Gulf. Hardware and propulsion software updates were implemented across both stages to resolve engine performance issues experienced on the previous test flight.
The upper stage mission targets an in-space relight demonstration of a single Raptor engine before executing controlled entry, descent, and splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The flight test also includes the first deployment test of 20 Starlink V3 satellites on a suborbital trajectory, featuring specialized heat shield camera suites on six of the payloads.
Details
- Vehicle or Subject
- Starship
- Mission or Event Name
- 13th Flight Test
- Organization or Agency
- SpaceX
- Location
- Starbase
Release information
The launch was accomplished following two prior attempts, which included a countdown abort on July 16 and a weather scrub on July 23.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Starship's 13th Flight Test scheduled to launch?
- Starship's 13th Flight Test is scheduled to launch on Wed, July 15, 2026 at 5:45 PM CDT.
- What payload tests are being conducted during Flight 13?
- The mission tests the suborbital deployment of 20 Starlink V3 satellites. Six of these satellites are modified with custom camera suites designed to inspect the heat shield and transmit imagery back to ground operators.
- Where are the booster and upper stage scheduled to land?
- The Super Heavy booster targets an offshore landing burn in the Gulf, while the upper stage aims for a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
- What time does Starship's 13th Flight Test 2026 release in my timezone?
- The countdown on this page converts Starship's 13th Flight Test 2026 to your local time automatically, so the clock always reflects your own timezone.
Last updated: 9/4/2026
