SpaceX's Starship prototype III to commence heavy-duty flights in 2026, with the Starship V4 projected for launch in 2027.

SpaceX, the leading space exploration company, has announced significant developments in its Starship programme. The latest updates include the signing of a commercial transportation agreement to Mars with Italy, and the upcoming 10th orbital flight test of Starship, which will be streamed live on X and SpaceX's website.

The test flight, originally scheduled for August 24, has been delayed twice and is now targeting August 26. Coverage for the event will start at 6:55 p.m. ET/3:55 p.m. PT.

The Starship V3, currently in development, is expected to be in production and testing by the end of this year. It will be powered by 33 Raptor engines, each more powerful than all four engines on a Boeing 747 combined. The heavy flight activity for Starship V3 is planned for 2026.

Meanwhile, Starship V4, set to fly in 2027, will be a significantly longer ship compared to V3, featuring 42 Raptor engines. Three additional Raptor engines will be added to Starship V4, making it even more powerful. Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, shared a photo of the cluster of engines on SpaceX's latest flight-ready Starship prototype.

SpaceX has also revealed the first grid fin for its next-generation Super Heavy booster. The Starship V4, with its increased size and engine count, is expected to be a game-changer in space travel.

In a landmark move, SpaceX will be the first commercial transport mission to Mars with Starship, following a contract already signed with Italy. However, no specific commercial customer beyond Italy has been publicly confirmed yet for the inaugural Mars mission.

Tune in on August 26 to witness the 10th orbital flight test of Starship, a significant step towards SpaceX's mission to make life multiplanetary. For live updates, visit X or SpaceX's website.