SpaceX has fueled a new version of the Starship rocket with liquid oxygen and methane for the first time. This took place during a launch rehearsal at the Starbase site in Texas on May 11. The launch could take place as early as May 19.
The tallest rocket
Before the rehearsal, engineers assembled a fully configured Starship V3 for the first time: the Ship upper stage was mounted onto the Super Heavy first stage. The new configuration became the tallest rocket in the world—124.4 meters, which is 1.2 meters taller than the previous V2 version.
To reach this height, SpaceX has redesigned both stages compared to previous versions. The company has not yet disclosed the details of these changes.
What is a launch rehearsal?
A launch rehearsal is a full-scale pre-flight training session that simulates the countdown procedure without the actual launch. The main purpose of this test is to verify the fueling process: this time, over 5,000 tons of liquid oxygen and methane were loaded into the tanks.
Prior to the rehearsal, SpaceX had already conducted engine tests on both stages. This allowed the team to move on to the next phase of preparation without any delays.
First version for deep space
All 11 previous Starship test flights were conducted using the V1 and V2 versions. The upcoming Flight 12 will be the first for the V3—and this is a key difference: this is the first version specifically designed for interplanetary missions.
The last two flights were a complete success. However, Starship is still a long way from being fully operational: the rocket still lacks a life support system and has never reached orbit.
NASA has selected Starship as one of two landing modules for the Artemis lunar program, alongside Blue Origin’s Blue Moon spacecraft. The Artemis III mission could launch as early as next year—it is intended to test the approach and docking of the Orion capsule with the landing module in orbit.
As part of Artemis IV, a crew landing near the Moon’s south pole is planned for no earlier than late 2028. It is not yet known which spacecraft will be used for this mission; most likely, it will be the one that is ready in time.
According to space.com
