SpaceX has conducted the first test flight of its upgraded Starship V3 rocket from its Texas launch site. All 33 Raptor engines ignited successfully, propelling the spacecraft onto a suborbital trajectory where it deployed 22 satellite prototypes, two of which were equipped with cameras to capture footage of the heat shield.
However, the flight encountered challenges. The Super Heavy booster did not complete the necessary “boost back” burn for a controlled landing. Additionally, only five out of six engines on the spacecraft ignited, which affected its ability to reach the intended orbit. Despite these issues, the trajectory remained within acceptable parameters, and no additional engine ignitions were performed in space.
Liftoff of Starship! pic.twitter.com/LQLdjK5V6K
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 22, 2026
During re-entry, only two of the three engines functioned, but both the atmospheric entry and landing proceeded as planned. SpaceX personnel celebrated the landing with applause.
The Starship V3 is designed to carry between 150 and 250 tons of cargo into orbit. According to financial reports from SpaceX clients, the cost of a single launch is approximately $90 million, compared to $60-75 million for a Falcon 9 launch, which has a payload capacity of 22.8 tons. SpaceX aims to utilize Starship for satellite launches, deep space missions, and NASA astronaut landings on the Moon in 2028.
SpaceX's first test flight of the Starship V3 rocket demonstrated successful engine ignition and satellite deployment, despite encountering some operational challenges. The company plans to use this rocket for various missions, including lunar landings for NASA by 2028.