SpaceX Gears Up for Starship Flight 12 Attempt Today After Yesterday’s Last-Minute Scrub

May 22 2026 - SpaceX is targeting a launch today for the 12th test flight of its massive Starship rocket, the debut of the upgraded Version 3 (Block 3) vehicle, following a scrub on Thursday evening.

The 90-minute launch window opens at 3:30 p.m. Pacific from the new Pad 2 at Starbase in South Texas.

Starship V3 sits on launch pad during aborted test flight 12 at T -40 yesterday

Live coverage is expected to begin about 45 minutes prior on SpaceX’s website, X account, and YouTube channel.

Thursday’s attempt was halted in the final minute when a hydraulic pin on the launch tower’s quick-disconnect arm failed to retract, triggering multiple holds and an eventual scrub. SpaceX confirmed the rocket and ground systems are now ready for today’s window, weather permitting.

This flight marks several firsts: the maiden voyage of the more powerful Starship V3 and Super Heavy booster (powered by next-generation Raptor engines), the first launch from Pad 2, and a key step toward demonstrating rapid reusability and in-orbit refueling capabilities critical for future Moon and Mars missions.

The uncrewed suborbital test will include Starlink simulator satellites, engine relights, and planned splashdowns in the Gulf of Mexico for both stages.

“Flight 12 will debut the next generation Starship and Super Heavy vehicles,” SpaceX noted ahead of the attempt.

As of Friday morning, the countdown is proceeding with no major issues reported. Like previous Starship tests, the flight remains fully expendable for this early V3 iteration as engineers gather data on the redesigned vehicle.

Updates will be available in real time via @SpaceX on X.

Launch times can shift quickly due to technical or range constraints, so check official sources for the latest.

SpaceX Gears Up for Starship Flight 12 Attempt Today After Yesterday’s Last-Minute Scrub