SpaceX stacks first Starship V3: The world's tallest rocket is ready for launch
India Today • • science
Key Points:
- SpaceX unveiled the fully assembled Starship V3 rocket, the tallest rocket ever built at 124 meters, on the launch pad in Texas, marking a significant milestone for the company’s space ambitions.
- Starship V3 is a fully reusable two-stage rocket designed for human and cargo missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, featuring the Super Heavy booster as the first stage and the Starship spacecraft as the second stage.
- The new Raptor 3 engines, used on both stages, deliver 22% more thrust than the previous version and incorporate an integrated design that reduces weight and simplifies maintenance; the booster carries 33 engines while the spacecraft has six.
- Additional upgrades include stretched propellant tanks with 12% more fuel capacity and enhanced heat-shield tiles for improved protection during atmospheric re-entry.
- The full Starship V3 stack sets the stage for Flight Test 12, the first orbital flight of this version, planned for no earlier than May 12, preceded by a wet dress rehearsal to ensure system readiness.