SpaceXis getting ready to introduce the next version of itsStarshiplaunch this week, only two years before a scheduled flight to send astronauts to the Moon using the vehicle.
It signifies the inaugural flight of Starship Version 3, which surpasses its predecessor to become the largest and most potent rocket ever constructed.
When completely assembled, the Starship vehicle along with the Super Heavy rocket stands just over 124 meters tall and weighs approximately 5,000 metric tons, surpassing the size of Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower.
It marks the initial Starship flight test in 2026, and may serve as a critical moment forElon Musk’s SpaceX.
What is on the line for this Starship mission?
The rocket is being created as part of NASA's Artemis program, with the goal of having it operational for the Artemis IV mission in 2028, which aims to send astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
SpaceX has suffered numerous challenges in the development of Starship, which have led NASA to delay the deadlines for its Artemis program.
Additional delays might put NASA's schedule at greater risk, along with Elon Musk's plans for SpaceX to utilize the rocket for sending humans to Mars.
The debut also occurs during a crucial period for SpaceX, as the company is currently getting ready to go public through an initial public offering (IPO), which is anticipated to take place next month.
The IPO's success will, to some degree, rely on the outcome of the most recent Starship flight test.
What is different with Starship V3?
Musk has referred to Starship as "alien-level technology" because of the immense size and intricacy of the rocket system.
SpaceX extended the upper stage and the Super Heavy booster of Starship Version 3 to increase fuel storage, enhance cargo space, and modernize its engine system using Raptor 3 engines.
The Super Heavy booster is equipped with 33 Raptor 3 engines, capable of producing approximately 18 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, surpassing twice the power of NASA's Saturn V rocket utilized in the Apollo missions.
The newest Starship will also take off from a newly constructed launch site at SpaceX's Starbase location in Texas, which was created to enhance quick reusability.
Among the improvements to the launchpad are shorter "chopsticks," designed to capture the booster rocket after it has detached from the upper stage and descended back to Earth.
"The main objective of the flight test will be to showcase each of these new components in the flight setting for the first time," a message on SpaceX's website stated.
Since this is the first flight test of a greatly modified vehicle, the booster will not try to return to the launch site for retrieval.
How to view the Starship launch
A live video feed of the launch will be accessible through SpaceX's website, along with the company's official platform.X page and YouTube channel.
The live stream will start approximately 45 minutes prior to launch, which is set for 5:30pm local time (11:30pm BST) on Wednesday, May 20.
The characteristics of the flight test mean these timings can vary, based on whether any problems arise during the preparation for the launch, or if weather conditions turn unfavorable.
SpaceX has introduced a new series called 'Test like you fly,' offering audiences a glimpse into the launch team's preparations for liftoff through exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
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