Documents suggest Starship Flight 14 is targeting September 15, but Ship 41 and Booster 21 are still off the launch pad. With their pre-launch test campaigns complete, what still needs to happen before SpaceX’s next orbital mission?
In this Starship Update, we break down the latest vehicle preparations, signs of flight termination system installation, and the paperwork pointing toward Starlink V3 satellite deployment. We also explore why a booster or ship catch looks increasingly unlikely for Flight 14, and what remains unknown about the mission’s duration, orbital profile, and splashdown location.
Beyond Flight 14, Ship 42 completes cryogenic testing as Booster 22 awaits its own test campaign. Booster 23 and Ship 43 continue taking shape, while fresh aerial views reveal progress on Starbase’s launch pads, Starfactory, and GigaBay.
We also head to Florida for Starship transport preparations, construction at SLC-37 and LC-39A, and the Artemis III crew’s visit—before checking in on Raptor engine testing at McGregor.
In this episode:
• Flight 14 readiness and the tentative September 15 launch target
• Starlink V3 deployment plans and outstanding mission questions
• Pad 2 upgrades and preparations for future catches
• Flight 15 preparations: Ship 42 and Booster 22
• Booster 23, Ship 43, and future vehicle production
• Florida launch infrastructure and transport hardware
• Raptor testing at McGregor
• Starbase Pad 1 rebuilding and GigaBay construction
Follow Starbase Live for vehicle movements, and subscribe to NSF for Starship updates and live coverage of major milestones.
Launch targets and mission plans remain subject to change. This update reflects information available at the time of production.
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🤵 Hosted by Ryan Caton.
🖊️ Written by Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera, Eleanor Day and Joe Kangas.
🎥 Video from Max Evans, Ceaser G, Collen Liedtke, D Wise, Starbase Live, Space Coast Live, McGregor Live, Jack Beyer, SpaceX, MarineTraffic, Starship Tracking, 2026 Planet Labs PBC via Harry Stranger, NASA, Google Earth.
✂️ Edited by Ryan Caton.
💼 Produced by Kevin Michael Reed (@kmreed).
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