SpaceX launched its upgraded Starship V3 from South Texas on May 22, marking the first flight of the new variant and the 12th integrated test of the Starship system since 2023. The uncrewed mission deployed mock Starlink satellites and ended with a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
The vehicle encountered engine issues during reentry but met core objectives. Upgrades target improvements in thrust, reusability, and payload capacity. This vehicle is central to NASA's Artemis lunar program and future satellite deployments.
The launch was originally scheduled for May 21 but was scrubbed due to a hydraulic pin issue.