SpaceX launches its biggest rocket yet in test flight from Texas
SpaceX successfully launched its largest and most powerful Starship rocket on a test flight from Texas. This launch marks the 12th test of the rocket, which is intended to eventually transport humans to Mars and support NASA's Artemis program for lunar exploration. The upgraded rocket, which carries mock satellites, is part of a competitive effort between SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop lunar landers for NASA.
- ▪SpaceX's Starship 39 rocket launched from Starbase in Texas on May 22, 2026.
- ▪This test flight is the 12th for the mega-rocket designed for Mars missions and lunar landings.
- ▪NASA is relying on SpaceX and Blue Origin to provide lunar landers for the Artemis program.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
SpaceX's Starship 39 rocket launches from Starbase during the 12th test flight as seen from South Padre Island, Texas, on 22 May 2026. Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenSpaceX's Starship 39 rocket launches from Starbase during the 12th test flight as seen from South Padre Island, Texas, on 22 May 2026. Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty ImagesSpaceXSpaceX launches its biggest rocket yet in test flight from TexasThe launch is the 12th test flight of the mega-rocket that CEO Elon Musk is building to get people to Mars one dayAssociated PressFri 22 May 2026 18.52 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleSpaceX launched its biggest, most powerful Starship yet on a test flight Friday, an upgraded version that Nasa is counting on to land astronauts on the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
