Brian Wang January 20, 2026, SpaceX Ship 39 is in the final stages of outfitting in Mega Bay 2 at Starbase. Recent progress includes the installation of aft flaps. This is one of the last major steps before testing. Starship 39 and Booster 19 are needed to be completed and stacked to launch Starship Flight 12. What About It? and other sources provide updates. Pad 2 at Starbase will be used, with Florida sites (LC-39A, SLC-37) progressing for future launches. Ongoing cryogenic proof testing on the Ship 39. Heat shield work largely complete, with no major re-tiling needed. Booster 19 is also advancing, with cryo testing completed and preparations for rollout. Sources target February or March. Cryogenic proof testing and static fires for Ship 39 are needed. Booster 19 must be rolled out and tested. Pad 2 needs commissioning and work. Reconfiguration is nearly complete, with clamp arms, quick disconnects tested, and final hardware in place. Integrated vehicle testing and regulatory approvals are needed. Brian Wang 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. Categories