SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
SpaceX successfully launched its upgraded Super Heavy-Starship rocket, testing more powerful engines and enhanced control systems. The rocket aims to support larger satellite launches and future missions to the moon and Mars. This launch marks the first flight of the revamped version from a new, reinforced launch pad designed for increased operational efficiency.
- ▪The Super Heavy-Starship rocket generated up to 18 million pounds of thrust, surpassing NASA's SLS moon rocket.
- ▪This launch was the first for the 'version 3' Super Heavy-Starship and utilized SpaceX's second Texas launch pad.
- ▪The flight plan included the release of 22 Starlink satellite simulators and various experimental maneuvers.
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Space SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket on test flight 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 22, 2026 / 6:40 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google SpaceX launched a revamped Super Heavy-Starship rocket Friday on a flight to test more powerful engines, enhanced control systems and a host of other upgrades needed to streamline operations and improve safety and reliability.Once operational, Elon Musk's company is counting on the mammoth rocket to launch larger Starlink satellites and government and commercial payloads, and…
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