SpaceX has completed a pair of static fire tests with the Starship upper stage slated to attempt the rocket's first orbital flight, marking a key milestone in preparations for Flight 14.
What Happened
On Aug. 19, SpaceX conducted a single-engine static fire test with Ship 41 at its Massey's test site near Starbase in South Texas. The burn lasted approximately 15 seconds and demonstrated a deorbit burn capability for upcoming orbital missions, according to an X post by the company on Aug. 20. A follow-up full six-engine test occurred the next day, lasting roughly 60 seconds as captured by NASASpaceFlight.com video. Ship 41 is equipped with six Raptor 3 engines. The vehicle is in line to fly Starship's Flight 14 mission, which would be the rocket's 14th test flight but its first attempt at reaching orbit.
Why It Matters
If successful, Flight 14 would mark a significant step for Starship and SpaceX's ambition to achieve daily launch cadences. Elon Musk has said he expects the rocket to launch at least once per day, possibly more, with an Aug. 20 post indicating the company aims to support up to 30 launches per day. The mission also represents Starship's third flight of 2026 and its third featuring Version 3 upgrades introduced in May. Additionally, a modified V3 Starship is being prepared to dock with NASA's Orion spacecraft for Artemis III. The agency plans to land astronauts on the moon aboard a Starship lunar landing vehicle during the Artemis IV mission targeted for late 2028.
The Bottom Line
SpaceX could attempt Flight 14 as early as mid-September, pending completion of prelaunch activities for both Ship 41 and its Super Heavy Booster 21 counterpart. Originally planned return-to-launch-site recoveries have been deferred; both stages are now expected to attempt soft ocean splashdowns instead.