SpaceX Sets Starship Flight 13 for July 23 After 2 Engine Swaps and Super Heavy Tests
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Jul 22
SpaceX Sets Starship Flight 13 for July 23 After 2 Engine Swaps and Super Heavy Tests
3 articles · Updated · Space.com · Jul 22
Summary
July 23 is now the target for Starship Flight 13, with liftoff set for a 90-minute window opening at 6:45 p.m. EDT from Starbase, Texas.
SpaceX said additional preflight testing on the Super Heavy booster was completed July 22, clearing the way for launch preparations, though weather remains a significant watch item.
The new attempt follows a July 16 scrub at T-0, when four of Super Heavy's 33 Raptor engines failed to ignite; SpaceX replaced at least two engines before retesting.
Flight 13 is the 13th Starship test since 2023 and the second mission for the upgraded Version 3 vehicle, a step toward future orbital flights and eventually catching the Ship upper stage.
Starship Flight 13, now set for launch on July 23, 2026, follows a recent abort caused by four Super Heavy booster engines failing to ignite, which led to an automatic shutdown of the launch sequence. In response, SpaceX quickly removed and replaced two Raptor engines and prepared for the rescheduled attempt. This mission is crucial for validating the Super Heavy booster’s engine ignition and overall reliability, especially after the recent issues. The successful execution of Flight 13 will demonstrate key technical improvements and is an important step for both SpaceX’s Starship development and its role in NASA’s Artemis lunar missions.