SpaceX is preparing for one of the most important launches in Starship history, as its new improved version (V3) carries out its first test flight from the Starbase base to Texas. Mission considered cumbate Both for its future plans NASA in the Artemis programme and for the forthcoming public registration of the company on Wall Street, which is expected to assess SpaceX near 1.75 trillion. And make Elon Musk the first trillionaire.
Watch Starship's twelfth flight test https://t.co/wxna6dy4Lh— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 21, 2026
Greater and stronger the new Starshi p
The new version of the rocket reaches 124 meters high and is the largest and strongest version Starship to date. The system uses these new Raptor V3 engines(total 33 of them on the Super Heavy rocket and 6 on Starship) with SpaceX arguing that they offer greater power and improved reliability. Major changes have also been made to the structure of the rocket, aiming at full reuse and Refuelling capability in Space, critical for future missions to the Moon and Mars. The new Ship also has an upgraded type satellite development system Starlink, while for the first time it will carry 20 test satellites and two real Starlinks with special cameras that will record the behaviour of the thermal shield at re-entry.
Key to NASA's Artemis program
The success of Starship V3 is directly linked to NASA's lunar ambitions. SpaceX has been selected to transport astronauts to the Moon surface as part of the mission Artemis 4, planned for 2028. However, Starship has not yet completed a successful orbital flight, while critical technological tests such as refuelling into space and certification of life support systems for manned missions remain. NASA is already planning for the 2027 orbiting test mission around Earth, where Starship should make a connection to the Orion capsule.
Starship stacked on the pad at Starbase pic.twitter. com/aYM9xw8BVj— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 20, 2026
Pressure from Blue Origin and financial risk
Possible failure of today's flight could cause significant delays in the programme, at a time when the Blue Origin The Jeff Bezos accelerates its own tests for the Blue Moon lunar vessel. At the same time, a serious accident could to negatively affect the value of SpaceX in view of IPO; as Starship is considered the core pillar of the company's future activities — from commercial launches and satellite services to manned missions to Mars. THE Elon MuskHowever, he appeared reassuring through X, stating that the company's production line remains strong even in case of failure. "If something goes wrong, it won't be a big comeback — unless the launch platform is destroyed", reported features.