SpaceX's Starship rocket launch, originally scheduled for Thursday, July 23, has been delayed until no earlier than 6:45 p.m. Friday, July 24, due to poor weather conditions at Starbase, Texas. The flight, designated as Starship flight 13, is the latest attempt to test the spacecraft's capabilities ahead of future missions. While the launch occurs in Texas, the rocket's ascent may be visible from parts of Florida, prompting local media to seek public contributions of images and footage.
FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team, which covers rocket launches for the USA TODAY Network, is asking readers to submit photos and videos taken from anywhere in Florida or beyond. The team has previously published reader-submitted content capturing Starship's 2025 launch from South Texas, which was visible along the Space Coast. Submissions can include ground-level shots of the rocket's liftoff, contrails, or the unusual "space jellyfish" phenomenon observed during previous launches.
The process for submitting media is straightforward. Interested residents can fill out an online form to send photos or videos for potential use in FLORIDA TODAY and other USA TODAY Network publications. The form is accessible via floridatoday.com/space, where readers can also find updates on the Starship launch schedule.
This is the third time in 2026 that SpaceX has attempted a Starship launch from Texas, with previous efforts facing delays due to technical issues and weather. Despite the setbacks, the company remains on track to meet its long-term goals for the spacecraft, which is designed to carry humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team has covered every rocket launch from Cape Canaveral since 2020, but reader submissions have expanded the coverage to include perspectives from across the state and even other states. The team said it will review all submissions and may use them in upcoming stories or social media posts related to the Starship program.