SpaceX Successfully Launches Starship V3 in Historic Flight Test
SpaceX just launched Starship V3 — its most powerful megarocket yet — into space for the 1st time in spectacular Flight 12 test (video)
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SpaceX launched its most powerful rocket, Starship V3, from South Texas on May 22, 2026, marking its first flight since October 2025. Despite some engine issues during the launch, the mission successfully deployed payloads, including Starlink satellites, and demonstrated key maneuvers, moving SpaceX closer to its goals for lunar missions under NASA's Artemis program.
- 01Starship V3 is 408 feet tall and features a complete design overhaul aimed at operational missions.
- 02The mission faced challenges, including a shutdown of one Raptor engine and a failed boostback maneuver for the Super Heavy booster.
- 03SpaceX deployed 22 payloads during the flight, including two modified Starlink satellites for heat shield testing.
- 04NASA's Artemis program relies on Starship as a crewed lunar lander, with Artemis 3 targeted for mid to late 2027.
- 05SpaceX aims to significantly increase its launch cadence, with hopes of weekly launches within the next year.
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On May 22, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched its most powerful rocket, Starship V3, from its Starbase facility in South Texas. Liftoff occurred at 6:30 p.m. EDT, marking the first flight of the newly designed rocket since October 2025. The 408-foot-tall Starship V3 aims to evolve SpaceX's capabilities for operational missions. Despite a few technical challenges, including the shutdown of a Raptor engine and a failed boostback maneuver for the Super Heavy booster, the mission was a significant step forward. The booster ultimately crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, while the Starship deployed 22 payloads, including Starlink satellites, during its suborbital flight. This mission is crucial for NASA's Artemis program, which plans to use Starship for crewed lunar landings, with Artemis 3 scheduled for mid to late 2027. SpaceX is under pressure to increase its launch frequency to meet upcoming mission timelines. The successful launch of Starship V3 indicates progress toward these goals, as SpaceX continues to refine its technology for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
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The successful launch of Starship V3 signifies advancements in space technology and strengthens SpaceX's role in future lunar missions, potentially benefiting local economies through job creation and technological development.
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