Billionaire Musk (Elon MuskSpaceX, a subsidiary of )SpaceXThe new generation of "starshipThe Starship rocket's 12th test flight, and the first launch of the V3 version, successfully released a simulated satellite, which is seen as an important step toward commercial operation.
This test comes just before SpaceX's planned IPO next month, drawing significant market attention. External estimates suggest that if the listing proceeds smoothly, the company's valuation could reach $1.75 trillion, making it one of the largest IPOs in US history. Some analysts believe the Starship test results will directly impact investor confidence in the company's future.
The rocket, which is over 40 stories tall, launched from Starbase in Texas, USA. It consists of a Super Heavy booster carrying the upper Starship spacecraft. Minutes after liftoff, the two stages of the rocket successfully separated. Although one of the Starship's six engines failed, it still completed the cruise phase and successfully released 20 simulated Starlink satellites and 2 experimental satellites.
After completing its high-temperature reentry test, Starship splashed down in the Indian Ocean nose-up as planned, ultimately capsizing and exploding. Since SpaceX had previously stated it would not attempt to recover the rocket, the explosion is not considered a mission failure.
However, although the "super-heavy" thruster plunged into the Gulf of Mexico as planned, it failed to complete the scheduled engine reverse thrust procedure, indicating that the system still needs improvement. In addition, due to the engine malfunction, the mission team also canceled the originally planned in-space re-ignition test.
Musk later posted on the X platform, congratulating the team on completing the "epic first launch and landing of Starship V3".
Since testing began in 2023, the Starship program has experienced numerous explosions and delays. SpaceX has invested over $150 billion in development, hoping to create a fully reusable spacecraft to reduce launch costs and support the Starlink satellite network, orbital data centers, and future lunar and Mars missions.
Version V3 also includes several major upgrades, including a more powerful Raptor engine, space docking and orbital refueling capabilities, and a design for extended deep-space flight. These technologies will be used in NASA's Artemis Program lunar missions.
According to current plans, SpaceX expects to carry out its first manned lunar landing mission in 2028 and start a new round of space race with China.
Watch Starship's twelfth flight test https://t.co/caRB1thMlg
- SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 22, 2026
