SpaceX's Starship megarocket finally has a 2026 launch date. Here's when

SpaceX has announced a May 19 launch window at 6:30 p.m. ET for the 12th flight test of its Starship megarocket, the first since October 2025. The launch will take place from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border, with a backup date of May 20 if needed. This mission marks the longest gap between Starship launches since its debut in April 2023 and will introduce Version 3 (V3), the largest and most powerful iteration of the rocket to date. Version 3 is designed to reach orbit and test in-flight refueling, a critical capability for future deep-space missions. The process involves two Starships docking in orbit to transfer hundreds of tons of super-cooled propellant, enabling longer-duration flights. This upgrade aligns with NASA’s requirements for a lunar lander under the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon. The delay in this flight test reflects SpaceX’s focus on refining the rocket’s design and ensuring safety before proceeding. Previous attempts have faced setbacks, including the longest hiatus between launches since Starship’s initial development phase. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has provided licensing approval for the mission, allowing SpaceX to proceed with the launch window. If successful, the flight will validate key technologies needed for crewed missions to the moon and eventually Mars. NASA has been closely monitoring Starship’s progress, as the rocket is a cornerstone of the Artemis program’s plans for sustainable lunar exploration. The upcoming test will also assess structural and propulsion improvements made since the last flight in October 2025. SpaceX founder Elon Musk has emphasized the importance of iterative testing to achieve orbital success and beyond. The company’s iterative approach—refining hardware between flights—has been central to Starship’s development. With Version 3, SpaceX aims to demonstrate not just orbital capability but also the in-flight refueling necessary for ambitious missions beyond low Earth orbit.