SpaceX Loads 5,000 Tonnes Into 408-Foot Starship V3 Ahead of Flight 12
Updated
Updated · Space.com · May 12
SpaceX Loads 5,000 Tonnes Into 408-Foot Starship V3 Ahead of Flight 12
2 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 12
More than 5,000 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen and methane were loaded into the fully stacked Starship and Super Heavy V3 vehicles in SpaceX’s first-ever fueling test of the new variant.
The successful launch rehearsal followed weekend stacking at Starbase, where the 408-foot rocket became the tallest ever built, and came after static-fire tests of both stages.
Flight 12 could launch as soon as May 15, marking Starship V3’s debut after 11 earlier suborbital test missions using V1 or V2; the last two flights were fully successful.
NASA has selected Starship as one of two Artemis lunar landers, but the vehicle still must reach orbit, demonstrate off-Earth propellant transfer and add life-support capability before operational deep-space missions.
How will Starship's full reusability and 100-ton payload transform the future of commerce and conflict in orbit?
NASA's moon landing now hinges on unproven orbital refueling. What is the backup plan if this critical technology fails?
With China also testing refueling tech, who is truly winning the race to build a 'gas station' in space?
Starship V3’s In-Orbit Refueling Debut: How the May 2026 Test Will Define Artemis and SpaceX’s Lunar Ambitions
Overview
SpaceX is preparing for the first launch of its upgraded Starship V3 on May 19, 2026, marking a major milestone in the Starship program. This new version features a larger design and more powerful Raptor engines, following successful engine and cryogenic tests. The main goal of this flight is to demonstrate in-orbit refueling, a crucial step for Starship to become NASA’s human-rated Moon lander for the Artemis program. Achieving this capability is essential for future lunar missions, making this test flight a key moment for both SpaceX and NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the Moon.