SpaceX Previews Starship V3, Its Most Powerful Megarocket Yet, Ahead of May 19 Launch

SpaceX has set May 19 as the first flight of Starship V3, a heavily redesigned version of SpaceX’s megayacht-like rocket with a three-fin booster, integrated hot-stage, and upgraded Raptor V3 engines. The update includes a redesigned fuel transfer system, aim for rapid full-vehicle reuse, and propulsion tweaks to support orbital refueling and deep-space missions. The mission will launch from Starbase’s new Pad 2, carry 22 simulated Starlink V2 satellites, and will not attempt a booster catch, focusing on systems validation as the Starship program moves toward operational lunar and Mars missions.