WASHINGTON (May 21, 2026) – SpaceX is set to launch a new prototype called the Starship V3 megarocket. This is the first launch of the new third-generation Starship, which is larger, more powerful, and a step closer to being fully reusable. During today’s test flight, the Starship will try to deploy 22 mock Starlink satellites.
The Starship’s last test flight was seven months ago. Since then, the rocket’s booster, known as ‘Super Heavy,’ and its upper stage, called ‘Ship,’ have undergone extensive redesigns including new engines and increased volume of propellant tanks.
If today’s test is successful, SpaceX will work to get Starship certified to carry NASA astronauts to the moon in 2028.
For more analysis on these developments, please consider Scott Pace, Professor of the Practice of International Affairs, Director of the Space Policy Institute, and Director of the Institute for International Science and Technology Policy at GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Pace is an expert in civil, commercial, and national security space policy, analysis and assessment of space projects and programs, international space cooperation and competition; global navigation satellite systems, and international and domestic spectrum management. Pace served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council from 2017-2020.
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-GW-