Starship – Page 2 – Spaceflight Now

Launch preview: SpaceX tries again for first launch of its Starship Version 3 rocket

May 21, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

The mission will see the debut of several upgrades to the launch vehicle, including redesigned engines. Liftoff from Pad 2 at Starbase, Texas, is scheduled during a window that opens at 5:30 p.m. CDT (6:30 p.m. EDT / 2230 UTC).

SpaceX targets May 19 for debut of Starship Version 3, Launch Pad 2

May 12, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

The mission will test a host of changes made to both the launch vehicle and the launch infrastructure as SpaceX prepares to support the Artemis 3 mission in 2027.

NASA Administrator teases further Artemis program updates in one-on-one interview

March 14, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

The conversation took place amid the flight readiness review for the Artemis 2 mission, which is currently set to launch no earlier than April 1, 2026, pending work being completed in the Vehicle Assembly Building.

NASA inspector general assesses agency’s management of moon lander risk

March 10, 2026 William Harwood

NASA’s Office of Inspector General said that while NASA is working to “mitigate and prevent hazards” associated with lunar landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin, “there are currently gaps in the agency’s approach, including in its testing posture and crew survival analyses,” including what might happen after a catastrophic but non-fatal event.

SpaceX shifts away from Dragon launches at pad 39A as Starship looms

February 6, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

The last Dragon flight from pad 39A was the CRS-33 mission in August 2025. SpaceX is preparing for the just the second pad 40 launch supporting NASA’s Commercial Crew Program no earlier than Feb. 11.

Former NASA Administrators urge space agency to rethink plans for Artemis Moon lander

October 30, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The comments came during a fireside chat featuring former NASA administrators, Charlie Bolden and Jim Bridenstine, at the conclusion of the American Astronautical Society’s 2025 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama.

SpaceX launches final Version 2 Starship-Super Heavy rocket

October 14, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

This was the fifth and final flight of this iteration of the rocket, which has been marred by a number of setbacks. The first Starship Version 3 is expected to debut in 2026.

Launch preview: SpaceX to launch final Version 2 Starship-Super Heavy from Starbase

October 12, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The mission is also projected to be the final launch of the Starship program for the year. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. CDT (7:15 p.m. EDT / 2315 UTC).

SpaceX successfully launches Super Heavy-Starship on critical test flight

August 27, 2025 William Harwood

While re-entry heating damaged a protective “skirt” around the the engine bay of the upper stage Starship, along with partially melting a control flap near its hinge, the vehicle remained under control throughout and made it all the way to a powered splashdown in the Indian Ocean as planned.

Launch preview: SpaceX tries for third time to launch Starship Flight 10 from Starbase, Texas

August 26, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

SpaceX will make its latest attempt following scrubs due to ground systems issues and then poor weather. Liftoff from Pad A at Starbase is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CDT (7:30 p.m. EDT / 2330 UTC).