VERIFIEDBy Xavier Rivera· ·2 min read
SpaceX Targets May 20 Launch for Starship V3 Debut
SpaceX is targeting May 20 for the debut launch of Starship V3 from its new Pad 2 at Starbase. The upgraded vehicle triples payload capacity to more than 100 metric tons, enables scaled in-orbit refueling for NASA Artemis lunar missions, and advances Musk's Mars settlement plans tied to a potential $7.5 trillion valuation.
Source:Teslarati
TL;DRAI · 60 sec read
SpaceX is preparing to fly the most significant version of Starship yet. Flight 12, the debut of Starship V3, is targeted for Wednesday, May 20, lifting off from Starbase in South Texas at 6:30 p.m. ET. It will also mark the first launch from the newly built Pad 2.
Starship V3 can carry more than 100 metric tons to orbit in reusable configuration, roughly three times what the previous version could handle. The new design is lighter and simpler than before, reducing risk of component failure while also reducing flight costs. The launch pad itself allows SpaceX to prepare two rockets at the same time instead of one.
Starship V3 can carry more than 100 metric tons to orbit in reusable configuration, roughly three times what the previous version could handle. The new design is lighter and simpler than before, reducing risk of component failure while also reducing flight costs. The launch pad itself allows SpaceX to prepare two rockets at the same time instead of one.
POST FROM @SpaceX· official SpaceX tweet on V3 launch rehearsal and propellant loading ahead of the targeted debut flight
https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2053929135936864393
V3 unlocks capabilities beyond prior prototypes. NASA needs it to be reliable enough to land astronauts on the Moon as the Human Landing System for the Artemis program, with a crewed lunar landing targeted for 2028 under Artemis IV. Before that, SpaceX must demonstrate in-orbit propellant transfer at scale, requiring more than ten tanker launches to fuel a single Moon mission. V3 is the vehicle designed to make that economically viable.
Elon Musk has stated that Starship V3 should be capable enough for initial Mars missions. Every previous Starship was essentially a prototype. V3 is the version SpaceX actually intends to put to work to carry people and cargo to Mars at a scale that makes a permanent settlement financially possible.
On May 7, SpaceX completed the first full-duration, full-thrust 33-engine static fire with the V3 Super Heavy, following two earlier attempts that ended early due to ground equipment issues. The Ship stage had already cleared its own static fire in April, making Flight 12 the first time both V3 vehicles have been cleared to fly together.
These tests add weight to larger company goals. Musk's January 2026 compensation package awards him 200 million shares if SpaceX reaches a $7.5 trillion valuation and helps establish a permanent Mars colony of one million people. SpaceX is targeting a Nasdaq IPO as early as June 12 at a valuation of $1.75 trillion and holds more than $22 billion in active government contracts spanning defense, NASA, and broadband.
Elon Musk has stated that Starship V3 should be capable enough for initial Mars missions. Every previous Starship was essentially a prototype. V3 is the version SpaceX actually intends to put to work to carry people and cargo to Mars at a scale that makes a permanent settlement financially possible.
On May 7, SpaceX completed the first full-duration, full-thrust 33-engine static fire with the V3 Super Heavy, following two earlier attempts that ended early due to ground equipment issues. The Ship stage had already cleared its own static fire in April, making Flight 12 the first time both V3 vehicles have been cleared to fly together.
These tests add weight to larger company goals. Musk's January 2026 compensation package awards him 200 million shares if SpaceX reaches a $7.5 trillion valuation and helps establish a permanent Mars colony of one million people. SpaceX is targeting a Nasdaq IPO as early as June 12 at a valuation of $1.75 trillion and holds more than $22 billion in active government contracts spanning defense, NASA, and broadband.
HELP US IMPROVE
Reader-supported
The Circuitry is a passion project I've always wanted to build, and I love the work behind it.
Running it costs real money. APIs, hosting, time. To keep improving the site and growing this into something useful for everyone, those costs have to be covered.
Any contribution is appreciated. If not, no pressure. Thanks for reading.