SpaceX prepares launch of world’s largest rocket: Key details on Starship V3
SpaceX has assembled the most powerful rocket in history (photo: SpaceX)
At SpaceX’s Texas spaceport, two stages of the upgraded Starship Version 3 rocket were connected for the first time. This model has become taller and significantly more powerful than its predecessors. While earlier developers limited themselves to statements that the rocket could launch and return, with the V3 version, a new phase begins — preparation for real deep-space missions, according to SpaceX.
Characteristics of the new space rocket
Starship V3 now stands at 124 meters, making it the tallest rocket in the world. The main improvements concern the engines and overall design:
Power: the new Raptor 3 engines are more efficient. During launch, the rocket will generate 8 million kilograms of thrust — 10% more than before.
Design: a new gTherid structure has been added on top of the booster for better stage separation in flight. The number of steering “fins” that help the rocket return to Earth has also been reduced from four to three.
Scale: the internal fuel transfer tube inside the rocket is so large that its diameter is comparable to that of an entire Falcon 9 rocket.
Flight plan and launch date
The SpaceX team has already completed a successful fueling rehearsal, loading more than 5,000 tons of supercooled methane and liquid oxygen into the rocket. A final approval from U.S. aviation authorities is now awaited.
Date: The launch is preliminarily scheduled for Tuesday, May 19.
Route: The rocket will launch from a new site in Texas. This time, it will follow a different trajectory — over the Gulf of Mexico between Yucatán and Cuba.
End: about one hour after liftoff, the upper stage is expected to perform a controlled landing in the Indian Ocean.
Starship V3 structure (photo: SpaceX)
Why it matters
Starship V3 will be the first version of the rocket on which SpaceX will begin testing in-orbit refueling. Developers emphasize the critical importance of this technology: without it, the spacecraft will not be able to deliver heavy cargo or humans to the Moon or Mars. In the future, such rockets are expected to become “lunar elevators” for NASA’s Artemis program.
Just before launch, engineers still need to install a flight termination system (in case of course deviation) and obtain a flight license. This will be the 12th full-scale test of the Starship system.
