SpaceX launches Starship V3 rocket on successful maiden flight after scrub
SpaceX successfully launched its newest Starship V3 megarocket on Friday, May 22, in a test flight that demonstrated both achievements and technical challenges. After a last-minute scrub on Thursday due to launch pad system issues, the 408-foot-tall rocket lifted off from Starbase in Texas, generating 18 million pounds of thrust. During the suborbital Flight 12 test, the upper stage deployed 22 dummy Starlink satellites and successfully splashed down in the Indian Ocean as planned. However, the booster experienced engine failures that prevented its controlled return. One engine shut down during launch, and several others failed during the booster's landing sequence. The upper stage also lost one engine but compensated using remaining engines. SpaceX says the mission achieved multiple objectives and put the program back on track toward NASA's goal of using Starship as a lunar lander by 2028. The mission was significant as it marked the first flight of the redesigned V3 version and the debut of SpaceX's new Pad 2 at Starbase.
Key facts
- Starship V3 lifted off at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 22, 2026 from Starbase, Texas with 33 Raptor engines generating 18 million pounds of thrust
- One of the 33 first-stage engines shut down during ascent; the upper stage lost one of six engines but reached space
- The mission deployed 22 dummy Starlink satellites successfully and transmitted imagery from space
- The Super Heavy booster failed to execute its boost-back maneuver and crashed in the Gulf of Mexico; was not planned to be recovered
- This was the first Starship flight in seven months and the first from the new Pad 2 facility at Starbase
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets would likely emphasize concerns about SpaceX safety practices given the May 15 contractor death under OSHA investigation, questions about rapid testing schedules, and potential environmental or community impacts from debris and explosions in Caribbean locations mentioned in previous V2 tests.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets highlight SpaceX's innovation and Elon Musk's achievement in launching the world's most powerful rocket, framing the test as a win for American commercial spaceflight and private enterprise, with CEO Musk celebrating it as "scoring a goal for humanity."
Limits of this briefing
Coverage is heavily dominated by space industry and tech-focused outlets (Space.com, CNBC, CBS News). Limited perspectives from broader environmental, labor, or international community viewpoints regarding debris and safety concerns. The launch occurred very recently, so full technical analysis and long-term implications remain developing.
Sources
- CNN: Highlights: Scaled-up SpaceX Starship megarocket finds mixed success in debut test flight Centre
- CNBC: SpaceX launches Starship test flight after prior scrub Centre
- CBS News: SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket on test flight Centre
- Space.com: SpaceX Starship Flight 12 launch updates: Starship V3 Ship makes fiery splashdown in Indian Ocean as planned Centre
- Spaceflight Now: Launch preview: SpaceX tries again for first launch of its Starship Version 3 rocket Centre