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Thursday, July 23, 2026

Super Heavy testing complete ahead of Starship Flight 13 — Thursday, July 23, 2026

SpaceX completes Super Heavy preflight testing and readies for Starship Flight 13 launch attempt on July 23; Falcon 9 successfully deploys Northrop Grumman MRV-MEP satellite-servicing mission from Florida on July 21. Regulators are advancing new rules to manage growing collision risks in orbit, while astronomers report the first strong evidence of an exomoon-like object around a brown dwarf.

Illustration — DailyBits

Biggest developments

Super Heavy testing complete ahead of Starship Flight 13

At its Starbase site today (July 22), SpaceX wrapped up testing with the Super Heavy first stage that will conduct Flight 13. Additional preflight testing on Super Heavy complete. Now starting preparations to launch Starship as soon as tomorrow, Thursday, July 23.

Important posts & threads

Super Heavy preflight testing complete

Additional preflight testing on Super Heavy complete. Now starting preparations to launch Starship as soon as tomorrow, Thursday, July 23. Weather is currently a significant watch item for launch.

Bullish takes

  • New FCC rules could streamline satellite approvals and improve space safety by mandating real-time tracking data sharing, which may reduce collision risk and support continued growth of large constellations.

Critical takes

  • Mandatory real-time tracking and performance-based rules may increase regulatory burden and compliance costs for smaller satellite operators, while interagency turf wars could complicate implementation.

Why this matters

Imminent Starship Flight 13 test and recent satellite-servicing deployment advance operational capabilities.