SpaceX launches massive Starship V3 rocket on test flight

SpaceX has launched the uncrewed Starship V3, the largest and most powerful rocket in history, from its launch site in Texas. The rocket blasted off just after 17:30 (22:30 GMT) on Friday, following a postponement on Thursday due to a launch-tower malfunction.

During the test flight, Starship reached space and deployed 20 dummy satellites. Approximately one hour after launch, the vehicle made its re-entry and splashed down in the Indian Ocean, where it exploded as planned. Despite both stages of the rocket suffering engine failures, the mission achieved most of its major objectives and was deemed largely successful.

"Congratulations @SpaceX team on an epic first Starship V3 launch & landing!" SpaceX founder Elon Musk wrote on X. "You scored a goal for humanity."

This mission marked the 12th flight of a SpaceX rocket. The latest Starship V3 design stands 124 meters (407 feet) high, equivalent to more than 40 storeys. The successful flight is expected to bolster confidence for both investors and NASA, which plans to use the Starship vehicle for future missions to the moon.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman congratulated Musk and the SpaceX team on the launch. "One step closer to the Moon… one step closer to Mars," Isaacman posted on X.

The debut of Starship V3 occurs as SpaceX prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) that could start next month. Set to be the largest IPO in Wall Street history, the listing could make Musk the first-ever trillionaire due to his shareholdings in SpaceX, which values itself at $1.25 trillion. In addition to rocket manufacturing, SpaceX operates the Starlink satellite internet service and owns the artificial intelligence firm xAI.