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Space
Space
Science
Josh Dinner

SpaceX stacks Starship V3 rocket, completes major fueling test ahead of debut launch

SpaceX Starship X NASA Starbase LEO
SpaceX stacks its first V3 Starship vehicle on the pad at Starbase, Texas, ahead of its debut flight. SpaceX posted this photo on X on May 19, 2026.

The tallest rocket ever built is now standing on its launch pad ahead of its next mission.

SpaceX is about to debut Version 3 (V3) of its giant Starship rocket, which is poised to launch on the vehicle's 12th test flight. The rocket's two halves, the Super Heavy booster and Ship upper stage, were stacked yesterday (May 19) at the newly-built pad at SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas. Starship V3 is scheduled to launch no earlier than 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT) on May 21.

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