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SpaceX fires up next-gen ‘Version 3’ Starship ahead of landmark May test flight (photos)

Original story by
faviconspace.com · April 16, 2026
SpaceX fires up next-gen ‘Version 3’ Starship ahead of landmark May test flight (photos)

SpaceX Takes Starship V3 Closer to the Stars with Successful Static Fire Test

In an impressive stride towards the cosmos, SpaceX has successfully powered up its latest version of the Starship, marking a pivotal moment before its anticipated May launch.

The Breaking Point

On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday evening, SpaceX's cutting-edge Starship Version 3 lit its engines in a full-duration static fire test. Anchored on the test stand, this event heralded the next chapter in SpaceX's mission to revolutionize space travel.

Beneath the Surface

Standing 408.1 feet tall, this latest Starship iteration is not just a symbol of engineering prowess but also a testament to ambitions of carrying over 100 tons into low Earth orbit. The V3 Raptor engines, more powerful than their predecessors, promise transformative capacity for both scientific and commercial missions.

The Ripple Effect

Poised to support NASA's Artemis lunar missions, the V3 Starship could soon be landing astronauts on the moon. This milestone, if realized, will shape the future of space exploration and cement SpaceX's role in interstellar travel.

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