SpaceX is getting ready to launch Starship Version 3 on Wednesday, May 20, from its South Texas launch site at 6:30pm ET, marking the company’s first Starship test flight since October last year.
The upcoming mission is considered an important step for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon through future deep-space missions.
During the test flight, SpaceX will evaluate several new upgrades and systems designed to support long-duration space travel and advanced mission capabilities.
Starship Version 3 stands 407 feet tall and is powered by 33 Raptor engines. The rocket also includes mid-flight refueling technology intended to support longer missions beyond Earth orbit.
As part of the mission, SpaceX plans to attempt a landing of the Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of Mexico. The company will also deploy more than 22 Starlink satellites to test operational performance in a simulated flight environment.
The launch will additionally test new infrastructure upgrades at the launch site, including faster refueling systems and mechanical recovery arms designed to assist with booster recovery operations.
According to the company, these upgrades are aimed at improving mission efficiency and supporting future Moon exploration and deep-space travel programs.
The Starship system remains central to SpaceX’s long-term space exploration plans and NASA’s Artemis mission objectives.
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