SpaceX is preparing for the 12th test flight of its Starship rocket, featuring the Version 3 configuration, the largest and most powerful version of the spacecraft [1, 2]. The Starship V3 rocket stands about 407 feet (124 meters) tall when fully stacked and is designed to carry more than 100 metric tons to orbit with full reusability [1, 2].
The planned test flight is a suborbital mission to demonstrate the new hardware’s functionality and validate key systems needed for future deep-space missions [1, 2]. SpaceX intends to livestream the launch on its website and YouTube [1]. The launch will take place at SpaceX’s Starbase facility near the US-Mexico border in South Texas [1, 2].
The Starship program has fallen behind schedule, causing concern among federal officials about the effect on NASA’s lunar mission timeline [1]. Worker safety at the Starbase site is also under scrutiny after a SpaceX contractor died from a fall, prompting an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [1]. SpaceX has not confirmed any link between the accident and the recent delays to the Starship launch [1].
The Starship V3 test flight was originally scheduled for May 19 but was rescheduled to a launch window opening at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 20, according to one source [1, 2]. However, another source reports a further delay with the target launch date now set for May 21 [1].
The schedule remains fluid as SpaceX finalizes preparations ahead of the launch. The next confirmed target date is May 21, with a webcast planned for public viewing.
