New version of Starship rocket ready for critical test flight
SpaceX is set to launch an upgraded version of its Starship rocket, featuring enhanced engines and safety improvements. This mission is crucial for NASA, which relies on SpaceX to deliver a human-rated lunar lander for the Artemis program. The launch is scheduled for Thursday, pending favorable weather conditions, marking a significant step in the development of the Super Heavy-Starship system.
- ▪The upgraded Starship rocket is loaded with supercold liquid methane and oxygen propellants for its 12th sub-orbital test flight.
- ▪NASA is collaborating with SpaceX and Blue Origin to ensure a reliable lunar lander for the Artemis missions.
- ▪The version 3 Super Heavy-Starship will be the first to launch from a new, enhanced pad at SpaceX's Starbase in Texas.
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Space SpaceX ready to launch upgraded, more powerful Super Heavy-Starship By William Harwood William Harwood CBS News Space Consultant Bill Harwood has been covering the U.S. space program full-time since 1984, first as Cape Canaveral bureau chief for United Press International and now as a consultant for CBS News. Read Full Bio William Harwood May 21, 2026 / 12:05 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google A new version of SpaceX's mammoth Starship rocket, featuring multiple upgrades, more powerful engines and major safety enhancements is poised for blastoff Thursday in a critical milestone for Elon Musk's rocket company.It's also a critical mission for NASA, which is counting on SpaceX to develop and deliver a flight-tested, human-rated version of the Starship upper stage to carry Artemis…
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