SpaceX Completes Starship V3 Wet Dress Rehearsal for Upcoming Flight 12
SpaceX successfully conducted a critical wet dress rehearsal for its upgraded Starship Version 3 rocket at the Starbase facility in Texas. This milestone, involving the full fueling of the record-breaking 408-foot vehicle with over 5,000 metric tons of propellant, validates systems ahead of the twelfth integrated flight test. Scheduled for mid-May 2026 from a new launch pad, the mission aims to demonstrate enhanced payload capacity and heat shield performance. This progress is vital for NASA’s Artemis lunar program and future Mars exploration goals, pending final regulatory approval.
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SpaceX Starship Rockets Grounded by FAA After Booster Mishap During Test Flight
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded SpaceX's Starship rockets pending an investigation into a mishap during the 12th test flight on May 22, 2026. The Super Heavy booster separated normally after liftoff from Texas but its engines failed during the return, resulting in a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico instead of a controlled landing. No injuries or property damage were reported. The Starship spacecraft itself completed its mission, circling the globe and releasing 20 mock satellites before a planned fiery splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The 407-foot rocket is SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's largest and most powerful version, designed for crewed Mars missions. NASA also plans to use Starship to land astronauts on the moon as soon as 2028.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.SpaceX Calls Off Starship V3 Launch, Elon Musk Says Another Attempt Tomorrow If Problem Fixed Tonight
SpaceX scrubbed the first launch of its third-generation Starship rocket (Starship V3) from Starbase, Texas, seconds before liftoff on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The delay was caused by a hydraulic pin on the launch tower's mechanical arm that failed to retract. Elon Musk stated on X that if the issue is fixed overnight, another launch attempt will occur on Friday at 5:30 PM CT. The uncrewed test flight is critical for SpaceX's ambitions to deploy Starlink satellites faster, support NASA lunar missions, and advance deep-space exploration. The company has invested over $15 billion in Starship development. The scrub comes ahead of a potential $1.75 trillion IPO, adding pressure on investor confidence. Musk downplayed the setback, noting a large pipeline of V3 ships and boosters in production.
Yahoo FinanceSpaceX's Third-Generation Starship Debuts in Test Flight Ahead of IPO
SpaceX launched its most powerful third-generation Starship (V3) on a test flight from Texas on May 23, 2026, two days after CEO Elon Musk announced plans to take the company public. The upgraded mega rocket, which NASA plans to use for lunar landings under the Artemis program, carried 20 mock Starlink satellites and reached the Indian Ocean despite some engine issues, erupting in flames upon impact as expected. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended, stating Starship is one step closer to the moon. The 407-foot rocket features enhanced engines, fuel lines, and docking capabilities. SpaceX is competing with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to provide lunar landers for NASA's Artemis IV mission, targeting a crewed moon landing as soon as 2028.
Fortune | FORTUNESpaceX Starship Flight 12: Stunning Photos from Launch of Most Powerful Starship Yet
SpaceX launched its 12th Starship test flight on May 22, 2026, from Starbase, Texas, featuring the new, more powerful Starship V3. Standing 408 feet tall with 39 Raptor engines, the rocket completed a suborbital flight with splashdowns of both the Super Heavy booster and Ship upper stage. Key upgrades include a new fuel transfer tube, faster PEZ deployment system, and a reusable hot stage ring. The mission aims to demonstrate capabilities for NASA's Artemis program, competing with Blue Origin for future lunar landing opportunities.
Latest from Space.comSpaceX Launches Twelfth Starship Test Flight, First V3 Version, Ahead of IPO
SpaceX successfully conducted the twelfth test flight of its Starship rocket from Texas on Friday, marking the first launch of the new V3 version of the spaceship. The test is considered a crucial milestone for Elon Musk's company as it prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) scheduled for next month. The launch was delayed by one day from its original plan. The event underscores SpaceX's rapid development pace and its ambitions in the commercial space sector.
De StandaardSpaceX Starship explodes on splashdown in Indian Ocean test flight
SpaceX's upgraded Starship rocket completed a key test flight on May 22, 2026, lifting off from Starbase in Texas and flying for approximately 66 minutes. The upper-stage Starship successfully reentered the atmosphere, performed its landing burn, and reached its planned splashdown zone in the Indian Ocean. Seconds after touching the water, the vehicle tipped over and burst into flames, as shown in SpaceX's livestream. The explosion was not considered a failure, as the spacecraft was not designed to be recovered from the ocean. During the mission, Starship deployed dummy Starlink satellites and tested new hardware, including heat-shield changes. At least one of the six engines reportedly malfunctioned, but the vehicle completed its main objectives. The Super Heavy booster performed a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. Starship is central to SpaceX's long-term plans, including NASA's Artemis lunar program and Elon Musk's ambition to reach Mars.
RT - Daily newsSpaceX Starship V3 Explodes in Planned Indian Ocean Splashdown
SpaceX successfully launched its Starship V3, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, on a test flight from Texas on Friday. The flight lasted approximately one hour, ending with the rocket splashing down and exploding as planned in the Indian Ocean. The launch was delayed by one day due to a malfunctioning hydraulic pin in the launch tower. While most major test objectives were achieved, both stages of the rocket experienced engine failures during the flight. The mission marks another step in SpaceX's development of the fully reusable Starship system.
BBC NewsSpaceX launches first Starship V3 on suborbital test flight
SpaceX launched the first version 3 Starship vehicle on May 22, 2026, from Starbase, Texas, on a suborbital test flight designated Flight 12. The Super Heavy booster experienced an anomaly during its boostback burn, with only a few engines igniting, leading to a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The FAA is assessing the anomaly. The Starship upper stage lost one of its six engines shortly after separation but compensated with the remaining engines. It successfully deployed 20 Starlink mass simulators and two 'Dodger Dogs' spacecraft carrying components for future V3 Starlink satellites. SpaceX skipped a planned engine relight test but completed reentry and a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, where the vehicle tipped over and exploded as expected. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch. SpaceX expects to begin orbital payload deliveries with Starship in the second half of 2026.
SpaceNewsSpaceX launches Starship V3, its most powerful megarocket, on first test flight
SpaceX successfully launched the Starship V3, the most powerful rocket ever built, on its 12th suborbital test flight from a new pad at Starbase in South Texas on May 22, 2026. The 408-foot-tall vehicle lifted off at 6:30 p.m. EDT, marking the first flight of the next-generation Starship Version 3, which features a complete design overhaul. During the mission, one of the 33 first-stage Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster shut down, and the booster missed a critical boost-back maneuver. The Ship 39 upper stage also lost one of its six main engines but managed to reach space on the remaining five. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk praised the team on X, calling it an epic first launch and landing. The flight was delayed by one day after a glitch thwarted an initial attempt on Thursday.
Latest from Space.comSpaceX's Next-Gen Starship V3 Passes First Flight Test Despite Engine Snags
SpaceX conducted the first test flight of its next-generation Starship V3 rocket on May 22, 2026, from its Starbase in Texas. The 407-foot-tall rocket lifted off with all 33 Raptor V3 engines firing, but after stage separation, the Super Heavy booster shut down prematurely and tumbled to an uncontrolled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The second-stage Ship experienced only five of its six engines remaining lit during the next phase, and SpaceX skipped an opportunity to relight an engine in space. However, the mission successfully deployed 20 satellite simulators and two modified 'Dodger Dog' satellites, one of which transmitted video back to Earth via Starlink. Ship made a fiery re-entry over the Indian Ocean and attempted a landing with two engines, bursting into flames upon splashdown. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk praised the mission as 'an epic first Starship V3 launch and landing' that 'scored a goal for humanity.' The flight was the 12th Starship launch overall and the first after a thorough redesign of the booster, ship, engines, and launch facilities.
Universe TodaySpaceX Launches Upgraded Starship on 12th Test Flight
SpaceX conducted the 12th test flight of its Starship, the company's next-generation spacecraft, launching it uncrewed from Texas. This high-stakes trial run features major upgrades to the vehicle as Elon Musk's rocket company approaches a record-breaking public listing. The test is a critical step in Starship's development, aiming to validate enhancements for future missions, including potential lunar and Mars exploration. The launch underscores SpaceX's rapid iteration pace and its growing valuation ahead of a potential IPO.
TRT World - Breaking News, Live Coverage, Opinions and VisualsSpaceX launches Starship V3 for the first time, but loses booster on return
SpaceX conducted the first test launch of its upgraded Starship V3 rocket from Starbase, Texas, on May 22, 2026. The 407-foot rocket, the most powerful ever built, lifted off successfully, and the upper stage separated from the Super Heavy booster. However, the booster's engines failed to re-ignite for a sustained return burn, causing it to tumble into the Gulf of Mexico and likely explode. The Starship upper stage lost one of its six Raptor engines but successfully deployed 20 Starlink satellite simulators and two modified Starlink satellites. It completed a simulated landing in the Indian Ocean about an hour after launch before tipping over and exploding as planned. The test comes as SpaceX's IPO filing was made public, with the company aiming to raise $75 billion. This was the first Starship flight since October 2025, following a previous booster explosion during testing in November 2025.
TechCrunchSpaceX launches Starship V3—the world's most powerful and tallest rocket ever
SpaceX successfully launched the Starship V3 on May 22, 2026, marking the first test flight of the tallest and most powerful rocket ever built. The 408-foot rocket lifted off from Texas, experienced minor engine issues (one of 33 booster engines and one of six Starship engines failed to light), but completed its primary objectives: booster separation and splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, deployment of 20 dummy Starlink satellites and two operational heat shield imaging satellites, and a targeted splashdown in the Indian Ocean after reentry. The test is a major milestone as SpaceX prepares to go public as soon as next month and supports NASA's Artemis III mission in 2027, which aims to use a modified Starship to ferry astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon's surface by 2028. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the test, though NASA's watchdog has warned SpaceX may be behind schedule.
Scientific AmericanSpaceX to Retry Starship Test Flight on Friday After Technical Scrub
SpaceX will attempt to launch its massive Starship V3 rocket on Friday, May 23, 2026, after a technical issue forced a scrub on Thursday. CEO Elon Musk stated that a hydraulic pin holding the tower arm failed to retract, and if fixed overnight, a new attempt would be made during a 90-minute window opening at 6:30 p.m. ET from Starbase, Texas. The test flight is critical for SpaceX ahead of its upcoming IPO, which was disclosed earlier this week and is expected to raise around $75 billion. Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is designed to deliver 100 metric tons to orbit in a fully reusable configuration and is key to expanding the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The test flight will carry mock Starlink satellites but no astronauts or customer cargo. This will be SpaceX's first Starship test flight in seven months, following a series of explosions and debris-related disruptions in early 2025.
US Top News and AnalysisGround Equipment Problem Scrubs Starship V3 Launch Attempt
SpaceX scrubbed the first launch attempt of its upgraded Starship V3 vehicle on May 21 due to a ground equipment issue. The countdown stopped at T-40 seconds, with problems involving quick-disconnect lines and water diverters. CEO Elon Musk stated a hydraulic pin on the tower arm failed to retract, and a second attempt is planned for May 22. The Flight 12 mission is a suborbital test of the V3 Starship, featuring upgraded Raptor 3 engines, a redesigned propulsion system, and a new launch pad (Pad 2) at Starbase, Texas. SpaceX also announced that entrepreneur Chun Wang will join Dennis and Akiko Tito on a Starship circumlunar flight and later on a crewed Mars flyby mission.
SpaceNewsSpaceX Scrubs Launch of Starship V3, the Tallest and Most Powerful Rocket Ever Built
On May 21, 2026, SpaceX scrubbed the planned launch of its Starship V3, the tallest and most powerful rocket ever built, at the last minute. The launch, which would have been the 12th flight test of Starship and the first demonstration of the V3 design, was postponed with a new attempt possible as soon as Friday. The V3 version is taller, exceeds 18 million pounds of thrust, and features new Raptor 3 engines. SpaceX spent approximately $3 billion on Starship development in 2025 out of a total of $15 billion. The fully stacked vehicle stands 408 feet tall and is designed to carry up to 100 metric tons of cargo into orbit. This test flight, which will not enter Earth orbit, aims to demonstrate successful launch, booster separation, deployment of 20 dummy Starlink satellites and two operational heat shield scanning satellites, and a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. A successful test is considered critical for SpaceX's upcoming initial public offering and for NASA's Artemis program aiming to return astronauts to the moon by 2028.
Scientific AmericanSpaceX to Launch Starship V3, the Tallest and Most Powerful Rocket Yet
SpaceX is preparing to launch the 12th test flight of its Starship megarocket, the first demonstration of the V3 design, from its Starbase facility in Texas on May 22, 2026. The launch was originally scheduled for Thursday but was scrubbed seconds before liftoff due to a hydraulic pin issue. The V3 stands 408 feet tall, features new Raptor 3 engines, and exceeds 18 million pounds of thrust. The suborbital test aims to demonstrate successful launch, booster separation, and splashdown in the Indian Ocean. During the flight, the spacecraft will release 20 dummy Starlink satellites and two operational ones to test hardware and scan the heat shield. SpaceX also plans to relight a Raptor engine in space. The test is critical as SpaceX may go public soon, and a successful flight could boost investor interest and support NASA's Artemis moon program.
Scientific AmericanSpaceX launches first Starship V3 megarocket with high stakes for NASA lunar ambitions
SpaceX successfully launched its first next-generation Starship V3 megarocket on May 22, 2026, from Starbase, Texas, after a one-day delay due to a stuck hydraulic pin. The 12th overall Starship flight saw the Ship upper stage lose one engine but complete most planned objectives, landing in the Indian Ocean. The Super Heavy booster failed its boost back burn and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, though recovery was not planned. The launch carries significant implications for NASA's Artemis moon landing program, which relies on Starship for lunar lander capabilities. The flight was a suborbital test with controlled ocean splashdowns planned for both stages.
Latest from Space.comSpaceX Launches First Starship V3 Megarocket on Test Flight
SpaceX successfully launched its first next-generation Starship V3 megarocket on a test flight from Starbase, Texas on May 22, 2026. The Ship upper stage lost one engine but completed most planned objectives, landing in the Indian Ocean as intended. The Super Heavy booster failed to perform its boost back burn correctly and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, though it was not planned to be recovered. This was the 12th overall Starship flight but the first for the V3 variant, the biggest and most powerful iteration yet. The launch occurred during a 90-minute window that opened at 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT). A previous attempt on Thursday was scrubbed due to a stuck pad hydraulic pin. Coverage was available via SpaceX's website and Space.com.
Latest from Space.comSpaceX Prepares for First Test Flight of Starship Version 3 This Tuesday
SpaceX is poised to conduct the first test flight of its third-generation Starship rocket, scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Following months of delays caused by ground test damages and strategic adjustments, the company has confirmed readiness after a successful wet dress rehearsal on May 11. The launch will take place from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, with the window opening at 7:30 pm Brasília time. This updated version of the vehicle stands 124 meters tall, making it the largest rocket in the world. The mission profile involves launching the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage on a near-orbital trajectory. Unlike previous tests, the Super Heavy booster will not attempt a return to the launch platform but will perform a controlled landing in the Gulf of Mexico. The Starship upper stage will deploy 22 non-functional Starlink satellite simulators, two equipped with cameras to monitor the thermal shield during re-entry over the Indian Ocean. Neither stage is planned for recovery in this test, which aims to validate the capabilities of the new Block 3 configuration following the successful conclusion of Block 2 testing last October.
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