Starship Flight 12: Block 3 Evolution Targets May 12 Launch

SpaceX is preparing for the next chapter in Starship's development. Starship Flight 12 (IFT-12), scheduled for May 12, 2026, represents a major capability jump—the first flight of Block 3, a fundamentally evolved version of the Super Heavy/Starship stack.

What's New in Block 3?

Block 3 isn't an incremental update. The variant includes:

• Higher thrust Raptor engines for increased performance
• Upgraded structural designs for better reusability and reliability
• Orbital capability focus — moving beyond suborbital tests toward sustained spaceflight
• Enhanced avionics and control systems for autonomous operations

This is the foundation for in-space refueling, satellite deployment, and eventually, the infrastructure for lunar and deep space missions.

Launch Details

• Date: NET (No Earlier Than) May 12, 2026
• Time: ~10:30 PM UTC (5:30 PM CDT)
• Vehicles: Super Heavy Booster 19 (B19) + Starship Ship 39 (S39)
• Launch Site: Starbase, Boca Chica, Texas — first use of Orbital Launch Pad 2 (OLP-B)
• Profile: Suborbital/near-orbital test with eastward trajectory

Why This Matters

This launch comes after a hiatus. The last Starship flight was IFT-11 on October 13, 2025—a 6+ month gap filled with engineering, redesign, and validation of Block 3. The jump in capability represents lessons learned and operational confidence from previous tests.

Success here accelerates the timeline for serious operational Starship missions: satellite constellation deployment, lunar lander support for Artemis, and eventually, crewed missions.

Expect Delays

A NET date means flexibility. Weather, technical issues, or FAA approval delays have pushed Starship launches before and will likely do so again. But the target is firm: Block 3 is coming, and mid-May is the window.

For real-time updates, watch SpaceX.com/updates and @SpaceX on launch day.

Source: Next Spaceflight - Starship Flight 12