SpaceX is preparing to launch the next generation of its Starship rocket this week, just two years ahead of a planned mission to use the vehicle to carry astronauts to the Moon. This marks the first flight of Starship Version 3, which surpasses its predecessor to become the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed.
What is at stake for this Starship launch?
The rocket is being developed as part of NASA's Artemis program, with the aim of being ready for the Artemis IV mission in 2028, which will return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. SpaceX has faced several setbacks in Starship's development, causing NASA to push back deadlines for the Artemis program. Any further delays could jeopardize NASA's timeline and Elon Musk's plans to use the rocket for Mars missions.
The launch also comes at a critical time for SpaceX, as the company is preparing to go public in an initial public offering (IPO) expected next month. The success of the IPO will depend, at least partly, on the success of this Starship flight test.
What has changed for Starship V3?
Elon Musk has described Starship as "alien-level technology" due to its immense scale and complexity. SpaceX lengthened both the upper stage and the Super Heavy booster on Starship Version 3 to expand fuel capacity, improve payload space, and upgrade the propulsion system with Raptor 3 engines. The 33 Raptor 3 engines on the Super Heavy booster will generate roughly 18 million pounds of thrust at lift-off, more than double the power of NASA's Saturn V rocket used during the Apollo program.
The latest Starship will also launch from a newly designed pad at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas, designed for rapid reusability. Upgrades include shorter "chopsticks" used to catch the booster rocket after separation and return to Earth. The flight test's primary goal is to demonstrate these new components in flight for the first time. As it is the first test of a significantly redesigned vehicle, the booster will not attempt a return to the launch site for catch.
How to watch the Starship launch
A live stream of the launch will be available on SpaceX's website, as well as its official X page and YouTube channel. The webcast begins about 45 minutes before liftoff, currently scheduled for 5:30 PM local time (11:30 PM BST). These times are subject to change due to potential issues or weather conditions. SpaceX has also launched a 'Test like you fly' series showing behind-the-scenes footage of the launch team preparing for liftoff.
