SpaceX launches Starship for 13th test flight

SpaceX launched Starship for its 13th test flight on July 16, 2026, from Starbase, Texas.

The launch window opened at 6:45 pm EDT and remained open for 90 minutes.

The flight aims to repeat objectives from the previous flight while introducing new tests, including the first deployment attempt of next-generation Starlink V3 satellites.

Starship's second stage carried 20 Starlink V3 satellites, designed for higher capacity and too large for Falcon 9 rockets.

The previous Starship flight ended with a booster landing failure, prompting FAA review; hardware and software changes were made.