SpaceX tests Ship 41 in Texas ahead of flight 14
SpaceX just got a big step closer to sending Starship to orbit, thanks to successful engine tests on Ship 41's upper stage.
These trials, done on August 19 and 20 in Texas, are paving the way for Flight 14, Starship's first-ever shot at reaching orbit, which could be on track to launch sometime in early- to mid-September.
SpaceX likely to splashdown both stages
Flight 14 isn't just another launch; it's the third flight of the new Version 3 Starship and will likely attempt a soft ocean splashdown for both Ship 41 and its Super Heavy booster.
This focus on reusability is key for SpaceX's future, and NASA is watching too, since Starship is set to help land astronauts on the Moon for Artemis IV in late 2028.
Elon Musk has talked about SpaceX aiming to support 30 Starship launches per day, or more, showing just how big SpaceX is dreaming with Starship.