SpaceX launches Starship V3 test May 21

SpaceX targeted Thursday, May 21, for the first test flight of its third-generation Starship V3, a new version of the company’s heavy-lift rocket under development in South Texas. The mission, known as Flight 12, was set to launch from Starbase with a window opening at 5:30 p.m. Central Time, according to SpaceX. The company said its live webcast would begin about 45 minutes before liftoff on its website, on X and on the X TV app. The attempt marked SpaceX’s first Starship flight of 2026 after the previous test in October 2025. ### Why was this flight getting unusual attention? May 21 was the debut flight for Starship V3, which Space.com and Spaceflight Now described as the first launch of a substantially redesigned version of the rocket. Spaceflight Now reported the two-stage vehicle stood about 407 feet, or 124 meters, tall for this mission. SpaceX identified the hardware as Booster 19 and Ship 39. (spacex.com) Elon Musk said before the mission that “almost every part” of Starship V3 differed from the prior V2 design, according to Gizmodo’s report on the launch and Space.com’s preview coverage. NASASpaceflight, citing SpaceX’s Starbase preparations, reported a redesigned Pad 2, updated ground systems and use of Raptor 3 engines on Flight 12. (spaceflightnow.com) ### What exactly was SpaceX trying to do on Flight 12? SpaceX said Flight 12 was the twelfth integrated test of Starship and Super Heavy and described the schedule as dynamic because it was a developmental test. The company’s mission page said the launch window opened at 5:30 p.m. CT on May 21. Spaceflight Now reported the planned profile called for the Super Heavy booster to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico and for the Starship upper stage to end its flight in the Indian Ocean. (gizmodo.com) Next Spaceflight said the mission also carried 22 payloads, including satellites intended in part to scan Starship’s heat shield and send imagery to engineers assessing future return capability. (spacex.com) ### Where could people watch it? SpaceX said viewers could watch the webcast on the company’s launch page, on X via @SpaceX and on the X TV app. USA Today and AOL, which matched the same launch details, also reported that the livestream for Flight 12 would begin roughly 45 minutes before liftoff. Space.com said the May 21 attempt was the first-ever flight of Starship V3 and provided rolling live updates as the countdown progressed. (spaceflightnow.com) The publication said the mission was being launched from the relatively new city of Starbase in South Texas. ### How does this connect to NASA’s Moon plans? NASA says Artemis IV is a future Moon mission, though the agency’s mission page does not tie that page to a specific Starship launch date. (spacex.com) ESA’s Artemis IV page says the mission is planned to put two astronauts on the Moon and deliver the European I-Hab module. SpaceX says its Human Landing System version of Starship is being developed under NASA’s Artemis program to return humans to the lunar surface. (space.com) Space.com said Starship V3 is central to SpaceX’s Mars plans and to NASA’s lunar architecture, while noting Artemis IV as a key future milestone in that program. ### What comes after this test? SpaceX said Flight 12 was a developmental mission and warned that the schedule could change even on launch day. (nasa.gov) The company’s launch page remained the primary source for timing, webcast access and any same-day status changes. NASA says Artemis IV remains a future mission in its lunar program, and SpaceX says Starship HLS is intended to support Artemis landings after additional testing. (spacex.com) Any next Starship launch date would be announced by SpaceX on its mission pages and social channels after Flight 12. (nasa.gov) (spacex.com)