SpaceX has launched its new Starship V3 rocket in a high-profile test flight from Texas after an earlier launch attempt was postponed because of a launch-tower malfunction.
The uncrewed rocket lifted off shortly after 17:30 local time on Friday, marking the first flight of the latest Starship configuration, which stands approximately 124 meters tall.
According to SpaceX, the mission deployed 20 dummy satellites after reaching space before the spacecraft re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and splashed down in the Indian Ocean roughly one hour after launch, where it exploded as planned.
Elon Musk, chief executive of SpaceX, described the mission as a major milestone for the company.
“Congratulations @SpaceX team on an epic first Starship V3 launch & landing!” Musk wrote on X.
“You scored a goal for humanity,” he added.
The launch had originally been scheduled for Thursday but was delayed because of issues involving the launch tower system.
Congratulations @SpaceX team on an epic first Starship V3 launch & landing!
You scored a goal for humanity.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 23, 2026
Although the mission achieved most of its key objectives, SpaceX said both stages of the rocket experienced engine failures during flight.
Despite the technical issues, the test was widely viewed as a significant step forward for the Starship program, which is central to SpaceX’s ambitions for lunar and Mars missions.
Jared Isaacman, administrator of NASA, congratulated the company following the launch.
“One step closer to the Moon… one step closer to Mars,” Isaacman wrote on X.
The Starship V3 launch was the 12th overall Starship test flight conducted by SpaceX and featured the company’s latest rocket design aimed at improving payload capacity and operational efficiency.
The mission also comes ahead of a planned initial public offering by SpaceX, which media reports suggest could become one of the largest stock market debuts in Wall Street history.
SpaceX has an estimated valuation of approximately $1.25 trillion, according to recent reports.
In addition to its launch business, the company operates the Starlink satellite internet network and owns the artificial intelligence company xAI.
The Starship program is expected to play a central role in NASA’s future lunar missions under the Artemis program as well as SpaceX’s longer-term plans for human missions to Mars.
