SpaceX aborts 13th Starship test launch moments before liftoff

SpaceX aborted the 13th Starship test flight automatically after some of the Super Heavy booster's 33 engines failed to ignite during the final countdown at Starbase, Texas. The company began offloading propellant and said the next attempt is expected in a few days Source: CNN; Source: diariolibree.

What happened

As the countdown reached zero on July 16, 2026, several engines did not start, triggering an automatic launch abort. SpaceX later stated that two Raptor engines would be replaced before the next attempt Source: elespanol. Elon Musk wrote on X: "Some of the engines didn’t start, triggering an automatic launch abort. Now offloading propellant. Next launch attempt hopefully in a few days" Source: diariolibree; Source: excelsiormx. The abort was so late that the water deluge system had already activated, and the vehicle was left on the pad.

The mission objectives

• The 13th flight was to be the second for the third-generation Starship V3 and the first since SpaceX's IPO in June Source: larepublicaco.
• Key goals included demonstrating the Super Heavy booster's return-to-launch-site burns and deploying 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites Source: elnacionalve; Source: infobae.
• NASA closely watches the program, as a modified Starship is slated to land astronauts on the Moon under Artemis, now delayed until mid-2027 Source: elnacionalve.

Broader context

This abort adds to Starship's development hurdles, which have included explosive failures and engine issues Source: CNN. SpaceX faces pressure from NASA’s deadlines as well as Wall Street after the stock fell 3.1% post-abort Source: larepublicaco. The company maintains that such cancellations are routine for new vehicles Source: mileniomx.

Discrepancy: Some sources report four motors failed Source: CNN, while Musk broadly said "some." The exact cause remains under investigation Source: elmundoes.