SpaceX Starship: Current Status and Next Launch Outlook (as of November 13, 2025)

SpaceX's Starship program is in a transitional phase following a successful but final test of its Version 2 (V2) hardware.

Recent Starship Events

The most recent flight, Integrated Flight Test 11 (IFT-11), lifted off from Starbase, Texas, on October 13, 2025, marking the end of V2 operations for both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage (Ship). This suborbital test achieved key milestones, including a booster catch attempt (though not executed in this flight), heat shield data collection, and a controlled ocean splashdown for the Ship — advancing toward full reusability. Overall, 2025 has seen 5 Starship flights (IFT-7 through IFT-11), a step up from earlier setbacks, with no launches in November as the team shifts focus to Version 3 (V3).

V3 Starship Debut

The upcoming Integrated Flight Test 12 (IFT-12) will debut V3 Starship and Super Heavy Booster 18 (B18) — about 5 feet (1.5 meters) taller, with internal enhancements for better performance and reliability. SpaceX VP of Launch Kiko Dontchev announced on November 5 that IFT-12 could launch as soon as January 2026, with B18 rolling out to Pad 2 for cryogenic testing in the coming days to weeks. Objectives may include a booster catch, Ship reentry refinements, and deploying Starlink simulator payloads.

Some speculation points to a possible December 1 window, but official timelines align with January. No firm date yet — Starship's schedule is fluid, pending FAA licensing and tests. SpaceX aims for 25 flights in 2026 to hit rapid reusability goals for Artemis and Mars missions.

In summary, no launch this month, but momentum is building. Share your thoughts with us on X, and don’t forget to follow us for more updates on Elon Musk’s visionary future.