SpaceX is preparing to launch the most powerful version of its Starship rocket yet, with CEO Elon Musk saying the debut flight could take place in about a month.
The company has been developing the upgraded “Version 3” (V3) of Starship and is targeting early April for its first test flight. The upcoming mission will mark the 12th launch in the Starship program.
“Starship V3 first flight in about 4 weeks,” Musk said in a March 7 post on X.
The V3 upgrade introduces major design improvements to both the Super Heavy booster and the Ship upper stage. The new version is slightly taller than previous models and will deliver stronger and more efficient thrust using SpaceX’s Raptor 3 rocket engine. Earlier Starship versions were already the largest and most powerful rockets ever launched, and the new iteration is expected to further enhance those capabilities.
The Starship V2 series concluded with Flight 11 in October last year. That mission followed a difficult period earlier in 2025, when the Ship upper stage exploded during the rocket’s first 3 launches of the year in January, March and May. However, the last 2 Starship flights of the year were considered complete successes.
SpaceX later faced another setback during preparations for the upgraded V3 hardware. The first V3 Super Heavy booster experienced an accident on the company’s test stand in November, delaying the rocket’s debut by several months while engineers assembled another booster.
At the same time, the company has nearly completed construction of a second launch pad at its Starbase manufacturing and testing facility in South Texas. SpaceX said it plans to begin test operations on the Flight 12 booster in the coming days, according to a March 9 post on X.
Meanwhile, the V3 upper stage for Flight 12, known as Ship 39, has recently completed another round of tests ahead of the planned launch.
“Across several days, engineers tested the vehicle’s redesigned propellant system and its structural strength, including squeeze tests to mimic the forces of future ship catches,” SpaceX said in a March 7 post on X.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
