Starship

Six of the Starlink V3 satellites carry cameras to inspect Starship's thermal shield and transmit images to operators.

SpaceX adjusted the engine ignition sequence in Starship to make it more robust against variations in ignition timing.

Starship Flight 13 is the second test flight of the V3 launcher since its debut on 22 May.

SpaceX's Starship is scheduled for its 13th flight test later on July 16, 2026 at 22:45 UTC.

The Starship upper stage is expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean.

Starship Flight 13 is a key step for SpaceX in Starship development and in validating infrastructure improvements.

Starship Flight 13 will deploy 20 Starlink V3 satellites for the first time.

SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 is scheduled to launch today at 17:45 U.S. Central Time, which is 00:45 on Friday in peninsular Spain.

SpaceX is testing thermal shield upgrades on Starship, including tiles on the metal section of the aft flaps, modified tiles with load sensors, and new attachment mechanisms on the aft skirt.

SpaceX reported Starlink and Starship as a single consolidated entity rather than as separate financial segments in its S-1 filing.

SpaceX says it has spent about $15 billion developing Starship.

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, July 16, 2026, for the 13th flight test of its Starship rocket system.

The Starship flight test has a 90-minute launch window that opens at 6:45 p.m. ET.

SpaceX will manifest 20 prototype V3 satellites for Starship Flight 13.

The Super Heavy booster on the Starship flight test will attempt a full ascent, separation, and return sequence.

The Starship flight test will also evaluate the thermal protection system that shields the ship from extreme heat during Earth return.

Six of the 20 Starlink V3 satellites will be used to inspect Starship’s heat shield in flight.

The Starship upper stage will attempt to deploy 20 next-generation Starlink V3 internet satellites for the first time.