SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) filed for a Starlink operation and satellite-to-Earth communications permission with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on August 31, 2026.
This filing asks the FCC to authorize its non-geostationary orbit (“NGSO”) satellites to use the 42.0-42.5 GHz band (space-to-Earth). If granted, this will be a Special Temporary Authorization (STA) valid for 60 days.
This permission is actually required for the Starlink V3 satellites that will be deployed in the upcoming Starship mission, i.e., Flight 14.
In the last two Starship launch tests, SpaceX has successfully deployed dummy, Dodger Dogs, and camera-equipped, non-communicating Starlink V3 satellites. In Flight 14, Elon Musk’s space company aims to launch real communications satellites into space.
In both flights, the deployment from the Starship payload bay was flawless. Both Flight 12 and Flight 13 launches were conducted using the latest-generation Starship V3.
Interestingly, this FCC filing (PDF below) reveals September 15, 2026, as the planned date for the Starship Flight 14 launch-and-landing test (IFT-14). As of this writing, SpaceX hasn’t officially announced the date for Starship Flight 14.
The FCC document states:
SpaceX respectfully requests grant of this STA by September 15, 2026, the planned
deployment date for the new high-capacity satellites.
Flight 14 Pre-Launch Testing Summary
This sets an aggressive timeline for the Flight 14 Starship launch test. In the last two weeks, SpaceX has conducted multiple pre-launch tests to ensure Starship’s integrity and function for the upcoming launch.
Major testing began on August 19, with SpaceX conducting a single-engine static fire test on the upper-stage Ship 41. SpaceX was simultaneously testing Booster 21 for cryogenic pressure proofing.
In the 2nd phase, SpaceX conducted a 6-engine static fire test on Ship 41 on August 21.
On August 28, SpaceX performed a 33-engine static fire test on Booster 21. This completed the set of major tests for both the ship and the booster.
Booster 21: 33-Engine Static Fire Test
Musk’s space exploration and commercial launch company released stunning footage of 33 Raptor engines firing at once. Starship V3 Super Heavy rocket is powered by the third generation of Raptor engines.
A single Raptor 3 engine exerts a thrust of 280 tf (ton-force). Concurrent firing of all 33-engines creates a downward force of more ~9,240 tf. According to Elon Musk, future improvements to Raptor 2 engines will increase the combined thrust to 10,000 tf.
SpaceX performed the Booster 21’s 33-engine static fire test on the Pad 2 launch mount at Starbase, Texas. This is the launch pad that will also be used for the actual Flight 14 launch and landing-catch test, expected on September 15, 2026.
Full duration 33-engine static fire with the Super Heavy booster preparing for Flight 14 pic.twitter.com/0UXb7tvk7X
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 28, 2026
Flight 14: Starship Landing Catch
During the Q2 2026 SpaceX Earnings Call, the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, revealed that in Flight 14, SpaceX will attempt to catch the upper stage of the Starship with the launch tower arms (Chopsticks).
In the previous two V3 flights, SpaceX primarily deployed dummy satellites, Dodger Dogs, and camera-equipped Starlink V3 satellites (Flight 13). In both flights, the deployment from the Starship payload bay was flawless.
The upcoming Flight 14 launch and landing test (IFT-14) will be unique in another way:
SpaceX has previously caught the Super Heavy booster multiple times. It’s going to be the first time SpaceX will attempt to catch the upper stage ship on its way back to Earth.
SpaceX’s first attempt to catch Starship with the tower will likely take place around Starship flights 13 to 15, depending on how well the V3 flights perform pic.twitter.com/8eNJgsHmpl
— SMX 🇺🇸 (@iam_smx) November 23, 2025
Stay tuned for future updates on Starship and SpaceX. Follow us on:
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Related SpaceX / Starship News
- FCC filing reveals Starship Flight 14 launch on September 15, SpaceX conducts 33-engine static fire on Booster 21
- Starship 40 begins its journey from the Indian Ocean back home to Starbase, Texas
- After Starship’s 60-second 6-engine static fire, SpaceX rolls out Flight 14 Booster 21 for pre-launch testing
- Flight 13 Starship (S40) completes one month in the Indian Ocean, watch the latest recovery efforts by SpaceX
- Starship Flight 14: SpaceX performs a single-engine static fire test on Ship 41, Starbase updates (videos)
- Tesla to reportedly unveil the next-gen Roadster in August, with SpaceX thrusters of-course
