SpaceX has placed the next-generation version of Starship, the largest rocket ever built, on the launchpad in a fully integrated configuration for the first time. This operation, carried out at the company's Starbase facility in South Texas, officially brings Starship Version 3 (V3) one step closer to its test flight.
The new generation Starship is not only more powerful than previous versions but also stands out with its increased height. According to data released by SpaceX, the rocket's total height is 124 meters.
Major Design Changes
The updates SpaceX has implemented in the new version are quite extensive. Among the most notable innovations are the next-generation Raptor 3 engines used in both the Super Heavy booster stage and the upper-stage Starship section. These engines are reported to produce higher thrust while operating more efficiently.
The company also redesigned the lattice-like structure at the top of the booster for hot-staging separation. Additionally, changes were made to the grid fin system responsible for the return and reuse process. The number of grid fins, which was four in previous designs, has been reduced to three in the modified new design.
Starship V3 is critically important for SpaceX's long-term goals. According to the company's plan, this version will serve as the primary platform for future in-orbit propellant transfer tests. Starship lunar landers, aiming to transport humans to the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis program, are also planned to operate using this system.
Countdown to First Flight Has Begun
SpaceX has not yet announced an official and definitive launch date. However, according to current plans, the company aims to attempt a launch as early as Tuesday, May 19. This date may be pushed back depending on conditions.
According to technical data previously shared by SpaceX, the rocket will generate approximately 18 million lbf of thrust during liftoff. This value represents about 10 percent more performance compared to previous Super Heavy versions.
One example given to illustrate the rocket's size is quite striking. In the V3 design, the diameter of the internal transfer tube that carries methane fuel from the top of the booster to the engine section is almost the same size as the first stage of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9's first stage is approximately 3.7 meters in diameter. During pre-flight rehearsals, both stages of the rocket were loaded with a total of over 5,000 metric tons of super-chilled liquid methane and liquid oxygen.
New Launchpad to Be Used for the First Time
In addition to the new Starship, the new launchpad built by SpaceX at its Starbase facility will also be used for the first time. The new platform is located approximately 300 meters west of where previous Starship test flights were conducted.
As with previous Starship missions, the upper stage vehicle is planned to make a controlled landing in the Indian Ocean approximately one hour after mission completion.
The company aims to eventually bring Starship V3 directly back to the Starbase facility and catch it in mid-air with the launch tower's mechanical arms. SpaceX had previously demonstrated this method successfully with the Super Heavy booster.
Another change to be implemented in the new mission will be the flight path. This time, SpaceX will direct the rocket along a more southerly route over the Gulf of Mexico.
However, SpaceX still needs to obtain an official launch license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the flight. The first flight of Starship V3 will not be permitted without license approval.
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