Build-up to SpaceX’s Starship test flight 14 and other space industry news for the week…
Is It Starship’s Time? - Test Flight 14 to Orbit
This Week in Space · 26 September 2026
This Week in Space episode 229 hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik analyze SpaceX’s imminent Starship Flight 14 orbital launch, its critical role in replacing Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon, and the expanding lunar and space habitat efforts amid U.S.-China competition and climate change impacts.
- SpaceX is targeting September 28th for Starship Flight 14, aiming for a 10-hour orbital flight deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites, with a Super Heavy booster soft landing but no Starship recovery attempt this mission.
- If successful, Starship will orbit Earth six times and splash down west of Chile, marking a crucial step toward operational reusability and orbital refueling essential for large-scale launches and lunar missions.
- SpaceX plans a massive $100 billion Starship facility in Louisiana spanning 125,000 acres with up to 10 launch pads able to support up to 30 launches per day, supported by roughly $26.7 billion in tax credits; operations expected by 2027.
- Concerns mount about the proposed phaseout of Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon, which currently have unparalleled launch frequencies and reliability; alternatives are not yet mature enough to fill the medium-class launch market gap.
SpaceX Is Aiming for 3 Starship Flights in 5 Weeks?!
Marcus House · 26 September 2026
Ground News host Marcus House details SpaceX’s aggressive schedule aiming for three Starship flights within five weeks, including the imminent Flight 14 orbital launch and potential first launch from Florida’s Pad 39A. He covers SpaceX’s rapid infrastructure expansion and reusability milestones driving Starship’s operational ramp-up.
- Starship Flight 14 is targeting a September 28 orbital launch carrying 26 Starlink V3 satellites weighing approximately 52 metric tonnes, with an expected six full orbits requiring precise propellant management.
- SpaceX aims for an unprecedented rapid cadence with Flight 15 targeted around October 19 and Flight 16 around October 30, just 3 weeks and 11 days apart respectively, though this schedule remains ambitious and subject to change.
- Flight 16 may become the first Starship launch from Kennedy Space Center’s historic Pad 39A, supported by completed infrastructure upgrades like the top deck water deluge test and blast wall installation.
- Recovered heat shield tiles from Ship 40 post ocean landing will be reused on Ship 41, highlighting significant progress in SpaceX’s Starship reusability efforts despite visible coating changes from saltwater exposure.
The Space Show Presents Bob Zimmerman with news and updates.
The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation · 27 September 2026
Bob Zimmerman analyzes SpaceX’s strategic shift in Falcon 9 Starlink launches and highlights a rapidly expanding, diversifying rocket market poised to resolve current launch supply gaps. He underscores the surging profitability of space-based data centers fueling investment and critiques the space tourism and AI hype while championing practical space infrastructure evolution.
- SpaceX is moving all Starlink Falcon 9 launches from Florida to Vandenberg but continues other cargo and manned Cape Canaveral launches; stopping new Transporter rideshare sales caused panic, which Zimmerman calls irrational and anti-Musk mentality.
- Launch industry faces a temporary supply gap with grounded rockets like Blue Origin New Glenn and ULA Vulcan but expects 14 operational rockets by early 2027, including new players like Skyroot (India) and ISAR (Germany), vastly expanding launch options.
- SpaceX’s Starship expected to launch soon with incremental testing via Starlink satellite payloads, enabling large capacity launches that could double Starlink’s bandwidth capacity within about 20 missions, dramatically accelerating constellation deployment.
- Space-based data centers offer approximately 20% internal rate of return, attracting capital by outperforming terrestrial data centers; this profitability fuels strong launch demand and startup growth, likened to the ‘tobacco’ that historically enabled colonial expansion.
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground.
T-Minus: Space-Cyber Briefing · 27 September 2026 · 21:01 · S2 E726
Milenko Starčević, cybersecurity lead at Vision Space, and Andrzej Olchawa, offensive security professional, emphasize that space cybersecurity’s primary vulnerabilities lie in ground infrastructure and human factors rather than spacecraft themselves. Deep knowledge of space missions and diverse cybersecurity skills across hardware and software domains are essential.
- The major vulnerabilities in space cybersecurity are predominantly in ground infrastructures such as software repositories and mission control systems rather than on spacecraft.
- Spacecraft represent a narrow, largely uniform attack surface node, but the ground segment involves diverse systems requiring multi-disciplinary cybersecurity expertise.
- Phishing and info-stealers remain the primary attack vectors because the human element is often the weakest security link even in space-focused environments.
- If an attacker gains control over mission control systems, they can command spacecraft without owning a ground station, highlighting the criticality of protecting mission control itself.
The Genius Reason Why SpaceX Deleted A Grid Fin
Everyday Astronaut · 26 September 2026
Tim Dodd from Everyday Astronaut explains why SpaceX reduced the Starship V3 Super Heavy booster grid fins from four to three, detailing aerodynamic tradeoffs, innovative design choices, and how these changes improve control during re-entry and simplify booster recovery.
- SpaceX removed one grid fin on Starship V3 because the top fin sits in the rocket’s aerodynamic wake during re-entry, reducing its control effectiveness; replacing four smaller fins with three larger ones increases overall control authority and reduces system weight.
- Grid fins steer atmospheric vehicles by deflecting airflow through a lattice structure, providing pitch, yaw, and roll control with less actuator force compared to traditional fins; SpaceX uses electric motors for these on Starship rather than hydraulics as on Falcon 9.
- The three-grid-fin layout spaces fins 180 degrees apart for better pitch and yaw control at high angle of attack, an arrangement more effective than the equal 120 degree spacing of four fins and consistent with conventional aerospace stabilizer arrangements.
- Starship grid fins remain deployed during ascent to save complexity and mass, with engine gimbals managing stability until atmospheric control surfaces are active, a bold departure from Falcon 9’s foldable fins.
Crew-13
Houston We Have a Podcast · 26 September 2026 · 1:02:45 · S1 E438
Jessica Watkins, commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission, discusses how her geology background enriches her view from space, the value of repeat spaceflights for deeper systems insight, and the critical teamwork dynamics enabling successful ISS missions.
- Jessica Watkins draws a unique connection between her geology expertise and spaceflight, appreciating how orbital views from the ISS relate to planetary surface fieldwork, particularly for future Mars and Moon exploration.
- Watkins emphasizes that commanding a second mission allows her to move beyond surface-level operations to deeply question procedures and optimize team strengths, reflecting maturation from astronaut trainee to integrated system leader.
- The Crew-13 team is characterized by calm competence and natural cohesion, combining diverse backgrounds - a Marine test pilot, a Canadian test pilot astronaut, and a Russian submariner cosmonaut - contributing to a resilient mission culture.
- Watkins highlights the symbolic and emotional power of the hatch opening and docking moments as the true realization of astronauts’ lifelong dreams, arguably more impactful than launch events for viewers and participants.
Episode 258 - Not a Space Guy (with Daniel Drew)
Off-Nominal · 25 September 2026
Daniel Drew, Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi, discusses SPARK, a NASA NIAC-funded concept deploying distributed solid-state atmospheric ion thrusters for cave exploration on Titan. The technology exploits Titan’s dense atmosphere for efficient, quiet flight in otherwise inaccessible environments, with broad applications from planetary science to Earth drones.
- SPARK uses multiple small solid-state ion thrusters to ionize and accelerate Titan’s atmospheric nitrogen, producing thrust by momentum transfer without onboard propellant, enabling quiet, long-duration flight inside caves.
- Titan’s dense atmosphere makes flight about 40 times more efficient than on Earth, and ion thrusters further increase efficiency by 140 times by leveraging ambient gases as reaction mass rather than carrying propellant.
- The SPARK aerobot is designed to be slightly negatively buoyant for safety, allowing it to softly land in caves rather than drift uncontrollably, with distributed thrusters providing precise 3D maneuvering unlike balloons.
- Communication inside Titan caves is highly challenging due to unknown geometry and signal occlusion; strategies include autonomous operation with onboard data storage, optical fiber tethers for power and communication, and deploying relay nodes to maintain connectivity.
True or false on space industry trends with Pacôme Révillon
SpaceNews · 25 September 2026
Pacôme Révillon, CEO of Novaspace, discusses pivotal space industry trends as the sector shifts from innovation to execution and scaling, focusing on seamless terrestrial-space integration, supply chain challenges, and evolving sovereignty concepts shaping commercial and government space roles.
- The future of satellite communications will prioritize integrating space networks as seamless extensions of terrestrial networks rather than enhancing satellites alone.
- Over $30 billion invested recently in direct-to-device satellite communications marks the sector’s transition from concept to execution.
- A launch bottleneck expected around 2028 to 2029 will likely raise launch prices, but price increase effects will vary by mission and asset type.
- The main supply chain issue now is not component scarcity but suppliers’ limited capacity to scale to meet surging demand, causing program delays.
What Comes Next For On Orbit Servicing
SpaceNews · 24 September 2026
Col. Scott Carstetter, Director of Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics at Space Systems Command, discusses how on-orbit refueling and servicing will transform space operations into a dynamic warfighting domain. Key players Astroscale and Starfish Space are developing fueling and maneuvering spacecraft to extend satellite lifetimes and enable new military and commercial capabilities in GEO and LEO.
- Space Systems Command contracts commercial providers for on-orbit servicing, shifting operational control to industry while the government defines requirements and buys services, not spacecraft.
- Col. Scott Carstetter: “If we had the ability to refuel and service those vehicles, that changes the dynamics. It allows us to conduct warfighting in space the same way we do on earth.”
- Astroscale plans a 2027 launch for a hydrazine refueling spacecraft targeting geostationary orbit to enable Space Force satellite refueling services.
- Starfish Space’s ‘Outer’ vehicle provides enhanced maneuverability and life extension services by docking and propulsion augmentation, supporting both defense and commercial GEO and LEO markets.
The Stoke Space Factory Tour with CEO Andy Lapsa
Valley of Depth · 23 September 2026 · 36:26 · E128
Andy Lapsa, CEO of Stoke Space, reveals innovative propulsion and thermal protection technologies enabling rapid full reuse of second-stage rocket vehicles while scaling to larger architectures. The company’s metallic heat shield and differential throttle control mark critical steps toward affordable orbital launches.
- Stoke Space’s Hopper vehicle flew using exclusive differential throttle control without gimbaled engines, the first such flight demonstrating roll-invariant guidance and control despite spinning.
- Stoke employs a metallic alloy liquid-cooled heat shield cooled by hydrogen propellant, enabling rapid reuse by withstanding intense reentry heating without brittle ceramic tiles and requiring minimal refurbishment.
- The Zenith engine produces about 100,000 pounds of thrust with plans to improve thrust and efficiency incrementally, continuing a rare full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) cycle architecture; Stoke is only the second company to succeed with FFSC after SpaceX.
- Block 2 scales thrust by adding multiple turbopumps and engines in pods, enabling engine-out capability on the upper stage - a feature uncommon for reusable second stages and improving mission reliability.
Weapons in space and a new podcast on the search for life in the universe, and what happens next
Are We There Yet? · 23 September 2026 · 28:00
Christian Davenport, professor at Arizona State University, discusses the Pentagon’s confirmation of deployed space weapons and the rapid militarization of orbit and cislunar space. Separately, Brendan Byrne hosts the podcast ‘When We Find Them,’ exploring the implications and challenges of discovering extraterrestrial life.
- The US military’s public confirmation of space weapons represents a watershed moment marking an escalating arms race extending potentially to lunar orbit. Officially described as ‘space control weapons,’ these are likely non-kinetic systems like jammers rather than missile strikes that create debris.
- Close-orbit rendezvous operations or ‘dogfighting’ by satellites allow removal or disabling of other satellites, exemplified when China moved a dead BeiDou satellite to a graveyard orbit, blurring lines between debris mitigation and weaponization.
- Maneuverability in military satellites introduces a tactical shift where stealth and unpredictability make tracking and targeting satellites significantly more difficult, complicating defense and offense in space.
- Space assets such as GPS satellites underpin critical civilian and military infrastructure - including financial systems - so disrupting these could have catastrophic global impacts.
Why Starbase Louisiana is such a Great Idea
Eager Space · 23 September 2026
An unidentified expert analyzes SpaceX’s new Starship launch site in coastal Louisiana, highlighting how it overcomes constraints at existing sites by providing ample expansion room, onboard propellant production, safer flight trajectories, and optimized coverage for Starlink orbits despite a modest orbital inclination trade-off.
- Cape Canaveral’s multiple pads face crowding and operational conflicts among launchers, making it unsuitable for the very high cadence Starship launches.
- Boca Chica offers SpaceX exclusive control and nearby methane production infrastructure but suffers from population proximity, limited expansion, noise concerns, and a strict 25-launches-per-year cap.
- Louisiana’s site features higher elevation, access to natural gas pipelines for local liquid methane and liquid oxygen production, existing dock facilities, and abundant space for replicating pad designs along the coast.
- Although the Louisiana site’s latitude results in a 36-degree orbital inclination floor, this suits Starlink’s constellation needs well and mitigates the need for multiple Starship launch locations to cover orbital ranges.
Will Boeing’s Starliner be the vehicle that saves the International Space Station?
Project TMRO · 21 September 2026
The episode features aerospace analysts discussing Boeing’s Starliner, highlighting NASA’s renewed reliance on it for ISS crew transport amid SpaceX Dragon’s retirement. The guests analyze Starliner’s software issues, NASA’s management changes, and Blue Origin’s accelerated efforts in rocket infrastructure and vehicle readiness.
- NASA is committing to additional Boeing Starliner crewed missions despite past serious software and docking issues, signaling a strong program reboot under new management aligned with Jared Isaacman’s statements (2790).
- Starliner’s problems mainly stem from software errors rather than hardware; prior Shuttle-derived hardware performed well, so the future depends heavily on successful software fixes (2800-2850 approx.).
- With SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft set for retirement by 2030 and diminishing Falcon 9 launches, Starliner becomes critical for ISS crew transport continuity and extensions beyond 2030 (2870).
- Blue Origin is demonstrating an unprecedented rapid recovery and infrastructure rebuild after a launch platform fire, driven by new NASA enthusiasm and leadership, showing a shift from cautious to urgently accelerated operations (3842-4140).