SpaceX is set to launch the first Starship V3, a vehicle that has been rebuilt almost from scratch. This debut is a crucial step before the company’s expected IPO roadshow.
Launch Details
The liftoff is targeted for 6:30 p.m. EDT from a new pad at Starbase in South Texas. There is a 90-minute window to get the rocket off the ground before the attempt is delayed to another day.
Starship V3 Specifications
The Starship V3 stands 124.4 meters tall, making it the tallest rocket ever built. It is roughly 1.5 meters taller than its predecessor. Both stages of the rocket are powered by SpaceX’s new Raptor 3 engine. The Super Heavy booster’s 33 Raptor 3 engines generate over 18 million pounds of combined thrust at liftoff, which is more than twice the thrust of NASA’s Saturn V moon rocket.
A redesigned fuel transfer tube, roughly the size of a Falcon 9 first stage, allows all 33 engines to ignite simultaneously.
Key Features of the Starship V3
Fewer Fins, Hotter Stage
The booster has three grid fins rather than four, with each fin being about 50% larger and sitting lower on the trunk to handle more heat from hot staging. The hot-stage ring is now integrated into the booster rather than jettisoned mid-flight. A steel shield has been added to protect the forward dome of the methane tank from engine fire during separation.
Stress-Testing The Heat Shield
SpaceX has intentionally removed one heat shield tile and painted others white to simulate damage. This allows engineers to measure aerodynamic load differences during reentry.
Upgrades to the Ship Upper Stage
The Ship upper stage has gained four docking ports and a dedicated cryogenic propellant management system. This is the first hardware step toward orbital refueling, a capability that unlocks lunar and Mars missions.
What to Expect from the Launch
This is the first flight of a fully overhauled vehicle, and there will be no attempt to catch the rocket with a chopstick. Both the Super Heavy and Ship are slated for controlled water splashdowns, with the booster landing in the Gulf and the upper stage in the Indian Ocean.
Market Predictions
Prediction markets are pricing in a high chance of success for the launch. There is a 90% chance of the rocket lifting off before June, but only a 37% chance before May 20, indicating a short delay is likely. Additionally, there is an 88% probability of SpaceX delivering the largest IPO of 2026.