SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Rocket Launch
Mission Details
12th test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle. Maiden Flight of Starship V3. <br> <br>The flight test’s primary goal will be to demonstrate each of these new pieces in the flight environment for the first time, with each element of the Starship architecture featuring significant redesigns to enable full and rapid reuse that incorporate learnings from years of development and test. <br> <br>The Starship upper stage will target multiple in-space and reentry objectives, including a payload deployment of 20 Starlink simulators, similar in size to next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, and two specially modified Starlink satellites. The two modified satellites will test hardware planned for Starlink V3 and will attempt to scan Starship’s heat shield and transmit imagery down to operators to test methods of analyzing Starship’s heat shield readiness for return to launch site on future missions. Several tiles on Starship have been painted white to simulate missing tiles and serve as imaging targets in the test. The Starlink simulators will be on the same suborbital trajectory as Starship. A relight of a single Raptor engine while in space is also planned. <br> <br>For Starship entry, a single heat shield tile has been intentionally removed to measure the aerodynamic load differences on adjacent tiles when there is a tile missing. Finally, the ship will perform experimental actions tested on previous flight tests, including a maneuver to intentionally stress the structural limits of the vehicle’s rear flaps and a dynamic banking maneuver to mimic the trajectory that future missions returning to Starbase will fly.
Launch Location
Launch site: Orbital Launch Pad 2 - SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA
Starbase is an industrial complex for Starship rockets and the headquarters of the American aerospace manufacturer company SpaceX. Located near Brownsville, Texas, United States, it has been under construction since the late 2010s by SpaceX. Starbase is composed of a spaceport near the Gulf of Mexico, a production facility at the Boca Chica village, and a small structure test site along the Texas State Highway 4.
Frequently Asked Questions About Today's Rocket Launch
What time is the rocket launch today?
Check the space launch schedule for today's rocket launch liftoff time in your local timezone. Launch times are updated in real-time, so check back regularly for any changes due to weather conditions, technical issues, or mission requirements. The live stream above will display the countdown timer as we approach T-0.
Where can I watch the rocket launch live stream today?
You can watch today's rocket launch live stream right here on this page! The official live video feed begins approximately 15-30 minutes before liftoff and includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary. The stream covers pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, booster landing attempts, and payload deployment.
Is today's rocket launch viewable from Florida or California?
If you're near Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, or Vandenberg Space Force Base, you may be able to view today's launch in person. For Florida launches, popular viewing locations include Jetty Park, Playalinda Beach, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For California launches, check out Surf Beach, Ocean Avenue, and Wall Beach viewing locations. Arrive early to secure parking and optimal viewing positions.
What happens if today's rocket launch is delayed or scrubbed?
If today's launch is delayed or scrubbed, we will immediately update the space launch schedule with the new launch time and date. Common reasons for delays include weather holds, technical issues, range conflicts, or upper-level wind violations. During the live stream, mission control will announce any holds or scrubs as they occur. The next launch opportunity will be posted as soon as it's confirmed by the launch provider.