Starship April 2026 Launch Confirmed; V3 Debut Set

SpaceX is targeting April 2026 for the next integrated flight test of its Starship rocket, marking the debut of the significantly upgraded Version 3 (V3) vehicle from Starbase.

Starship Flight 12: Key Updates

• The April 2026 launch window for Flight 12 is confirmed, with preparations underway at SpaceX’s Starbase facility.
• This mission will feature the first flight of Starship V3, a taller and more powerful iteration of the rocket.
• V3 is equipped with upgraded Raptor 3 engines and an increased propellant capacity, aiming for a 200-ton payload to orbit.
• The test flight continues SpaceX’s rapid iterative development cycle, crucial for achieving orbital capability and reusability.
• Future goals include catching the V3 booster with the launch tower’s «Mechazilla» arms and further refining landing procedures.

Why It Matters

This flight is critical for SpaceX’s ambitious goals, including lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program and eventual Mars colonization. The V3’s increased capability and SpaceX’s rapid development pace signal significant progress towards making interplanetary travel a reality.

Caller-Times: SpaceX Starship Launch Texas