SpaceX plans to launch its Starship rocket from Starbase, Texas, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. ET. The 400-foot rocket’s flight—designated flight 13—could be visible in Florida, though previous attempts have faced delays. A similar launch attempt on July 16, 2026, was aborted at the last second due to engine issues, according to SpaceX. The company is racing to meet NASA’s timeline for the Artemis III moon landing mission, scheduled for 2027.
The Starship rocket, developed by SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s company, is designed as a fully reusable transportation system. It can carry heavy payloads and return to Earth for future missions. If the July 23 launch proceeds, it will be the second time in 2026 that the rocket has traveled from Texas to Florida, where it was spotted in the sky near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center after a previous liftoff.
The launch window for flight 13 opens at 6:45 p.m. ET and lasts 90 minutes. SpaceX has conducted 12 prior test flights, but none have reached orbit. The company’s success with Starship is critical for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which aims to land the first woman and person of color on the moon. Florida residents may see the rocket’s ascent if weather conditions allow, though visibility depends on flight trajectory and atmospheric conditions.
SpaceX’s Starbase facility, located near the U.S.-Mexico border, has been the site of multiple test launches. The company has faced technical challenges, including engine failures and structural issues, but continues to refine the Starship design. If flight 13 succeeds, it could mark a major step toward the rocket’s role in future lunar and Mars missions.