SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, May 20, 2026, for the launch of Starship Flight 12—the maiden flight of the upgraded Starship V3 (Block 3) configuration.

The V3 Upgrade

The Starship V3 represents significant evolution from previous designs. Both the Super Heavy booster and upper stage will debut in production form. Flight 12 will use Booster 19 and Ship 39—the first V3 vehicles.

Key improvements include:

• Full rapid reusability: Faster turnaround between flights
• In-space refueling: Critical for lunar missions and Mars transport
• Higher payload performance: Thrust and thermal improvements

Launch Timeline

The test will follow recent patterns: a suborbital flight with booster splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico and upper stage performing a transatmospheric trajectory. This represents crucial data collection for achieving the flight cadence needed for operational missions.

The launch will be the first from Pad 2 (OLP-2) at Starbase, Texas, demonstrating SpaceX's infrastructure for multiple monthly launches.

Source: SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Updates