Flight 12 will try to extend that run of success while also breaking in the new "Version 3" of Starship. Among other modifications, this variant is a bit taller than its predecessors and will also be the first to employ SpaceX's new Raptor 3 engine.

Elon Musk has suggested that SpaceX's next Starship rocket launch could occur in early March 2026. Here's what we know about Flight 12.

The first Starship test flight of 2026 is scheduled for as soon as early March as SpaceX enters a critical year in the vehicle’s development.

Elon Musk has suggested that SpaceX's next Starship rocket launch could occur in early March 2026 from Texas. What's the latest on a Florida debut?

The launch date had been up in the air after the rocket's booster stage suffered an explosion during testing in November.

SpaceX’s Starship plans at Kennedy Space Center can move forward after the FAA released its final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.

Bigger and more powerful rockets could be launching in the years ahead from Vandenberg base in Southern California. Will SpaceX Starship be among them?

Watch how SpaceX conducted a static fire test of the Super Heavy booster to launch Starship's 5th test flight. Credit: Space.com | footage courtesy: SpaceX | edited by Steve Spaleta