Overview
- Elon Musk said on X that the first Starship Version 3 launch is now about four weeks away, pointing to early April.
- A Super Heavy booster was rolled to SpaceX’s new Pad 2 at Starbase in Texas for pad commissioning and preflight testing.
- SpaceX reported completing cryoproof testing of Ship 39, demonstrating propellant loading and structural strength for the next flight.
- Version 3 incorporates Raptor 3 engines plus changes for in‑space refueling, thermal protection, and aerodynamics, which SpaceX hopes will enable reaching orbit.
- The latest slip underscores ongoing schedule risk for NASA’s lunar plans and could widen opportunities for competitor Blue Origin.