The US space enterprise is desperately waiting for Starship–will it deliver?
The US space enterprise is eagerly anticipating the performance of SpaceX's Starship rocket, which has faced numerous challenges during its development. Despite significant investments and a mixed record of test flights, the company aims to achieve successful launches to support its ambitious plans. As SpaceX diversifies into telecommunications and AI, the success of Starship remains crucial for its future endeavors in space exploration.
- ▪SpaceX has invested approximately $15 billion in the Starship rocket program over the last decade.
- ▪The company has conducted six test flights of Starship in 2023 and 2024, with plans for more.
- ▪Starship V3 recently completed a successful wet dress rehearsal, signaling progress in its development.
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All roads lead to Starship The US space enterprise is desperately waiting for Starship—will it finally deliver? “This is such a wild ride. The highs are high. The lows are low.” Eric Berger – May 18, 2026 7:00 am | 174 Starship V3 completes a successful wet dress rehearsal on May 11. Credit: SpaceX Starship V3 completes a successful wet dress rehearsal on May 11. Credit: SpaceX Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav These days, one would be forgiven for forgetting that SpaceX is, at its core, a rocket company. Consider the company’s mega deals over the last year.
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