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Flight 14 is aiming for orbit — and maybe a catch
Flight 14 is set to become Starship’s first orbital attempt. SpaceX also wants to return the upper stage to the launch site for a catch, but that maneuver requires regulatory approval.
The story so far
- August 4: This became the lead update after today's public launch records changed.
- August 5: Flight 13 released satellites below orbital velocity; the next mission is now framed around delivering spacecraft that remain in space.
Interpretation
Why this matters
Reaching orbit with working mission cargo would move Starship beyond suborbital deployment tests. Catching the ship would add a separate, much harder step toward full reuse.
Known facts
- SpaceX plans to deploy upgraded Starlink satellites into orbit on Starship’s next flight, tentatively scheduled for the end of August. Elon Musk said Flight 14 would be the vehicle’s first orbital launch attempt and would include an attempted upper-stage catch pending regulatory approval.
- SpaceX officials said Flight 14 will place operational Starlink Version 3 satellites into orbit and may attempt to catch the upper stage at the launch site if regulatory approval is obtained. The flight is planned for the end of the month.
- Flight 13 deployed 20 next-generation Starlink satellites on a suborbital trajectory. The functioning satellites and Starship subsequently reentered, with the ship making an intact soft landing in the Indian Ocean.
Unknowns
- Whether the target, status, webcast, or mission outcome changes again after the next public update.
Source status
What the sources actually say
Each claim is kept next to its source so the story never overstates what official evidence can actually prove.
SpaceNews
SpaceX plans to deploy upgraded Starlink satellites into orbit on Starship’s next flight, tentatively scheduled for the end of August. Elon Musk said Flight 14 would be the vehicle’s first orbital launch attempt and would include an attempted upper-stage catch pending regulatory approval.
SpacePolicyOnline.com
SpaceX officials said Flight 14 will place operational Starlink Version 3 satellites into orbit and may attempt to catch the upper stage at the launch site if regulatory approval is obtained. The flight is planned for the end of the month.
Space Scout
Flight 13 deployed 20 next-generation Starlink satellites on a suborbital trajectory. The functioning satellites and Starship subsequently reentered, with the ship making an intact soft landing in the Indian Ocean.
SpaceNews
SpaceX plans to deploy upgraded Starlink satellites into orbit on Starship’s next flight, tentatively scheduled for the end of August. Elon Musk said Flight 14 would be the vehicle’s first orbital launch attempt and would include an attempted upper-stage catch pending regulatory approval.
Open sourceSpacePolicyOnline.com
SpaceX officials said Flight 14 will place operational Starlink Version 3 satellites into orbit and may attempt to catch the upper stage at the launch site if regulatory approval is obtained. The flight is planned for the end of the month.
Open sourceSpace Scout
Flight 13 deployed 20 next-generation Starlink satellites on a suborbital trajectory. The functioning satellites and Starship subsequently reentered, with the ship making an intact soft landing in the Indian Ocean.
Open sourceTimeline
How the story has developed
A running record of what changed, when, and why. Editorial review Aug 5, 2026.
- August 4: This became the lead update after today's public launch records changed.
- August 5: Flight 13 released satellites below orbital velocity; the next mission is now framed around delivering spacecraft that remain in space.
Corrections
- No corrections recorded.
No separate Starman's Note is needed yet.