SpaceX’s VP Launch Kiko Dontchev said at the Economist Space Summit that the first V3 Starship launch could take place as soon as January, 2026. A booster will be rolling out to the pad for tests in days to weeks.
SpaceX VP of Launch, Kiko Dontchev (@TurkeyBeaver), stated Flight 12 of the first V3 Starship could launch as soon as January and that V3 Super Heavy Booster 18 will rollout to Pad 2 for tests in the coming weeks.
SpaceX goal for 2025 is 165–170 Falcon 9 launches (currently at 140).
SpaceX’s Kiko Dontchev says at the Economist Space Summit this morning that the company’s goal for 2025 is 165–170 Falcon 9 launches (currently at 140).
— Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) November 5, 2025
With today’s launch, @SpaceX has hit 170 launches on a rolling 365 day clock 🚀😍
This is made possible by a hardcore focus on safety and reliability! https://t.co/XbrZTZHf3I
— Kiko Dontchev (@TurkeyBeaver) November 6, 2025
Super Heavy V3 — Booster B18
Imagery inside the bay shows all major sections of Booster B18 are joined.
Sections for B19 are already staged.
Starship V3 — Starship S39
As of Nov 6, 2025, core sections (minus the empty aft) are now stacked in the High Bay. Roughly two-thirds of the barrel stack is complete.
Installation of the primary methane feedlines through the LOX tank has begun.
They will next mate the lower section of the vehicle.
A large portion of the heat-shield was pre-installed at Starfactory ahead of stacking.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
