FAA Clears SpaceX for July 16 Starship Test as Shares Fall to 138.37

On July 13, 2026, the FAA closed its review of the May Starship booster failure, clearing SpaceX to attempt its next test flight from Texas as soon as July 16. The mission marks the second launch of Starship V3 and will carry 20 third-generation Starlink satellites. Regulators accepted SpaceX’s findings that heat damage and incorrect engine settings caused the May mishap, confirming four corrective actions. The clearance removes a key regulatory hurdle and supports the company’s reusable rocket program. SpaceX shares closed at 138.37, down 4.77% amid the positive operational update.