SpaceX (SPCX) had to delay its Flight 14 Starship launch and landing test (IFT-14), which was originally scheduled for today. The delay is due to the missing final regulatory approval.
In its latest official update on Flight 14, SpaceX rescheduled the launch window to no earlier than (NET) Monday, September 28, 2026. This new date is also tied to the FAA regulatory approval.
The new date for the Flight 14 Starship launch is also conditional. SpaceX expects to obtain the license before Monday to launch, but it could still be delayed if regulators are not satisfied.
One- or two-day delays can happen because of unfavorable weather conditions or technical issues. SpaceX always has backup launch windows in the following days.
SpaceX announced:
Now targeting to launch Starship Flight 14 as early as Monday, September 28, pending regulatory approval. The 75-minute launch window will open at 7:15 a.m. CT.
Unlike previous Starship suborbital launches, SpaceX has planned the Flight 14 upper stage to enter orbit. This is a major step up from previous flights and requires additional approvals and paperwork. Hence the delay.
Launching the Starship upper stage (Ship 41) into orbit resulted in a new trajectory for Flight 14. SpaceX also dropped the landing catch of Starship in favor of an orbital launch.
Strict regulatory requirements for orbital launches ensure that spacecraft and their payload do not become space junk. If Starship blows up in orbit, it will be a massive piece of metal rubble in space.
Related: Starship Flight 14 orbital launch: planned trajectory, mission objectives, no landing catch
Flight 14 Preps at Starbase
Despite the delays announced a few days ago, SpaceX moved the Flight 14 Super Heavy rocket booster (Booster 21) to the Starbase launch pad (Pad 2) last night.
SpaceX shared some stunning views of Booster 21 being transported to the launch pad. The dark hour, combined with the rocket’s massiveness and the launch tower, makes these pictures even more amazing.
Booster 21 already successfully completed its major 33-engine static fire test earlier this month. Yesterday’s move to the launch pad was likely to mount Ship 41 in the coming days.
According to Starbase observers at NasaSpaceFlight.com, the rollout of Ship 41 to the launch pad is expected today (September 22). If the ship moves today, integration should complete tonight or tomorrow.
Stay tuned for future updates on Starship and SpaceX. Follow us on:
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- Landing catch of Starship in Flight 14 gets environmental clearance from the FAA
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- Starship 40 begins its journey from the Indian Ocean back home to Starbase, Texas
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