SpaceX targets Sept. 22 for Starship's first orbital launch attempt
The company said on Sept. 16 it plans to launch the rocket into Earth orbit from Texas on the morning of Sept. 22, pending regulatory approval.
By Yara Castellanos · 4wSTARBASE, USA, Sept. 16, 2026 - SpaceX scheduled Starship Flight 14 for September 22, its first attempt to reach orbit, with a 75-minute launch window opening shortly after 8 a.m. EDT from Starbase in south Texas, pending regulatory approval. The company confirmed the plan on September 16.
Related coverage: SpaceX Starship reaches orbit on 14th test flight
Impact Insight. A launch window is the span of time when a rocket's target orbit and safety conditions line up, so a delay of even minutes can push an attempt to another day. The link to planetary defense is indirect: a fully reusable heavy rocket could cut the cost of launching large space telescopes and asteroid missions.
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