Overview
- SpaceX, which set a Tuesday, May 19 launch window opening at 6:30 p.m. ET, plans liftoff from Starbase’s new Pad 2 in South Texas with faster fueling systems and quicker tower arms for booster capture.
- The fully stacked rocket stands about 124 meters tall and is expected to deliver roughly 75,000 kilonewtons of thrust at liftoff.
- Version 3 introduces higher‑thrust Raptor 3 engines, larger propellant tanks, in‑orbit refueling hardware, stronger three‑fin steering on the Super Heavy booster, and improved heat‑shield tiles.
- The flight will exercise the new hardware in space, aim to splash down the Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of Mexico, and try deploying 22 mock Starlink satellites from the upper stage.
- NASA has selected Starship for Artemis landings, and a propellant‑transfer demo planned after this test is a key step before the agency reviews the lander for crewed missions.