SpaceX · Starlink · U.S. · Donald Trump · Engadget
SpaceX Starship V3's first test flight was largely successful
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The launch vehicle lost some engines, but it was still able to achieve most of its goals.
Key facts
- The launch vehicle ignited all 33 of its Super Heavy booster's new Raptor 3 engines and then lifted off at 6:30PM Eastern time from Starbase, Texas
- Around 30 minutes after liftoff, it deployed the 20 Starlink simulators and two modified Starlink satellites it was carrying
- The company had to step down from a launch attempt on the evening of May 21, Thursday, due to a technical issue — It was only able to do a partial boostback burn before falling back to Earth and crashing down into the Gulf of Mexico (renamed the Gulf of America in 2025 by President Donald Trump)
Summary
SpaceX has flown Starship V3 for the first time in a test flight that met most of its goals. Liftoff of Starship! pic.twitter.com/LQLdjK5V6K. — SpaceX May 22, 2026. The launch vehicle ignited all 33 of its Super Heavy booster's new Raptor 3 engines and then lifted off at 6:30PM Eastern time from Starbase, Texas.