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SpaceX Fires Starship V3 for the First Time, Setting Up Push for April Test Flight

The brief 10-engine static fire ended early due to a ground-systems issue, prompting inspections before a full 33-engine test.

Overview

  • SpaceX completed its initial Super Heavy V3 and Pad 2 activation campaign, including first-time cryogenic propellant loading on the V3 vehicle.
  • All installed Raptor 3 engines achieved startup during the static fire, which was cut short after roughly a second because of a ground-side issue reported by SpaceX.
  • Booster 19 returned to the Mega Bay for inspections and additional engine installations, with 23 engines still to be fitted ahead of a planned 33-engine static fire.
  • The upper stage, Ship 39, cleared a cryoproofing campaign at the Massey site and is expected to undergo its own static fire before stacking for Flight 12.
  • SpaceX targets an early-to mid-April debut flight pending test results, as the V3 upgrade aims for payloads over 100 tons to low Earth orbit and factors into NASA’s Artemis plans for 2028.