Block 3 Starship fully stacked on Pad 2 at Starbase. B19 and S39 represent significant redesigns across every element of the Starship architecture. First Block 3 booster features Raptor 3 engines, integrated interstage, and 3 grid fins instead of 4. Pad 1 conversion to Block 3 configuration ongoing.

Felix Schlang's What About It? channel provides in-depth pre-launch analysis, Starbase walkarounds, and speculative deep dives on Starship development. Essential viewing for understanding the Block 3 upgrades, Raptor 3 engine improvements, and what's next on the road to orbital flight.

Primary payload: 22 Starlink V3 Mass Simulators (~44,000 kg). Two feature cameras to scan the heat shield. Several tiles painted white as imaging targets. One tile intentionally removed to measure aerodynamic load on adjacent tiles. Booster 19 targets Gulf of Mexico splashdown. Ship 39 targets Indian Ocean.

IFT-13 is projected for June 2026 but no date or time has been set. SpaceX is already preparing for its follow-on flight. The pace of flight tests is expected to accelerate significantly with the Block 3 production line ramping up and Pad 1 conversion ongoing for additional launch cadence.

SKY Perfect JSAT's Superbird-9 Japanese communications satellite is manifested as the first commercial Starship payload. Launch is projected for June 2027 from Kennedy Space Center, FL. This marks Starship's transition from test flights to operational revenue launches, a critical milestone for SpaceX.

NASASpaceflight (NSF) provides industry-leading live coverage of every Starship test flight, with multiple camera angles, expert commentary, and real-time telemetry analysis. Their YouTube channel and website are the gold standard for Starship launch coverage.