SpaceX has postponed the inaugural launch of its third-generation Starship rocket system from its Starbase headquarters in Texas, with plans to try again on Friday.
This launch is crucial for SpaceX, as it’s not only the first real test of the upgraded Starship V3 but also comes at a critical financial time. The company recently filed for an IPO, increasing the pressure to show progress in its next-gen rocket program.
The launch marks the 12th for Starship and the first flight since the last attempt in October 2025. SpaceX has been developing and testing the third version, which faced challenges, including a booster explosion in November.
Thursday’s liftoff was delayed multiple times, with a countdown reaching T-40 seconds before issues with rocket and launchpad systems caused a halt. CEO Elon Musk noted on X that a “hydraulic pin holding the [launch] tower arm in place did not retract” and aimed to try again on Friday if fixed.
The new Starship model features major upgrades in design and launchpad operations, including the third-generation Raptor engines for more thrust and streamlined design. The changes aim to improve reliability and reusability akin to the Falcon 9.
If successful, this mission will not achieve all goals for Starship V3; the booster and vehicle are not expected to be recovered but perform water landings. Starship won’t achieve a true Earth orbit on this flight, leaving further tests needed to validate its capability to deliver commercial payloads.
Starship V3’s reliability is vital for SpaceX, given the company’s significant investment in Starlink, which generated $11 billion in revenue last year, as per its IPO filing. Previous Starship launches have only shown capability in deploying dummy Starlink satellites.
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