Momentum is building at SpaceX as the company moves closer to testing the next evolution of its heavy-lift rocket system. The aerospace firm is now targeting mid-March for the first test flight of Starship V3, according to a post shared by CEO Elon Musk on X.
Starship V3 is the 3rd iteration of SpaceX’s fully reusable launch system and introduces several major upgrades over earlier versions. The rocket has been designed to be bigger and more powerful, supporting more demanding missions in the years ahead.
One of the key roles of Starship V3 will be the launch of next-generation Starlink satellites. These satellites are larger and heavier than current versions and are expected to deliver faster data speeds. This version of Starship is also the first to support docking with other Starships in Earth’s orbit, a critical requirement for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
The timing of the test flight is strategically important. SpaceX is preparing for a possible initial public offering later this year, while Starship remains central to NASA’s plan to land US astronauts on the Moon before President Donald Trump’s second term ends. A successful test would mark a major milestone for both SpaceX and NASA.
Development of Starship V3 has been underway since late 2025. Progress slowed after an explosion during a test in November, which occurred during “gas system pressure testing”. Despite the setback, SpaceX has continued work on the upgraded rocket and is aiming to move beyond Starship V2.
Starship V3 will stand taller than its predecessor and carry a larger propellant load. It will include new docking adapters to enable in-orbit fuel transfer. SpaceX also plans to equip the rocket with a ship-to-ship propellant transfer system, allowing refuelling in space and extending mission range beyond low Earth orbit.
Powering the rocket will be 3rd-generation Raptor engines, each delivering 280 metric tons of thrust. This is a clear upgrade over the Raptor 2 engines, which produced 230 metric tons of thrust and featured heavier designs with more components. SpaceX has already stacked the Super Heavy booster at its South Texas Starbase facility ahead of the test flight.
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