Trending Now - Spacex Prepares to Launch Starship V3 Rocket

WHO:

SpaceX, CEO Elon Musk, NASA

WHAT:

SpaceX conducted the first static fire test of Starship Version 3 on March 18th, 2026.

The test involved firing 10 of Booster 19’s Raptor 3 engines.

The static fire test lasted about one second before being terminated due to a ground systems issue.

Starship V3 has a total payload capacity of over 100 tons to low Earth orbit, compared to around 35 tons for its predecessor.

SpaceX aims for a planned test launch of Starship V3 in April 2026.

The rocket's upper stage, Ship 39, will undergo its own static fire test at Starbase’s Massey site.

WHERE:

The static fire test took place at Launch Pad 2 at SpaceX’s Starbase launch site in South Texas.

Ship 39 will undergo testing at Starbase’s Massey site.

WHEN:

The first static fire test occurred on March 18th, 2026.

Elon Musk indicated that the first test flight of Starship V3 would occur in about four weeks from March 7th, 2026, pushing the launch to April 2026.

NASA expects Starship to take off for the Moon’s South Pole in 2028.

WHY:

SpaceX aims to fulfill its promise of reaching the Moon and Mars with the Starship V3.

The increased payload capacity and orbital refueling capabilities are critical for future missions to Mars and the Moon.

HOW:

Engineers loaded cryogenic fuel and oxidizer into Booster 19 for the first time during the testing campaign.

The static fire test was conducted on the newly constructed Pad 2.

Engineers will inspect Booster 19 and install additional engines for a 33-engine static fire test.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 05:22 UTC)

SpaceX successfully conducted the first static fire test of Starship Version 3 on March 18, 2026, at Launch Pad 2 in South Texas, firing 10 of Booster 19’s Raptor 3 engines for about one second before terminating the test due to a ground systems issue. This new version of Starship boasts a payload capacity of over 100 tons to low Earth orbit, significantly more than its predecessor, and SpaceX is aiming for a test launch in April 2026, with plans for the upper stage, Ship 39, to undergo its own static fire test soon. NASA anticipates that Starship will eventually take off for the Moon’s South Pole in 2028, as SpaceX works to fulfill its ambitious goals of reaching both the Moon and Mars.