Spacecraft Version 3 of SpaceX's Starship to Commence Hefty Flights in 2026, While Version 4 Expected to Launch in 2027
SpaceX is preparing for its 10th orbital flight test of the Starship, a spacecraft designed to carry humans to Mars and other celestial bodies. The latest prototype, Starship V3, is now flight-ready and boasts a cluster of 33 Raptor engines, more than twice as powerful as all four engines on a Boeing 747 combined.
Originally scheduled for August 24, the 10th orbital flight test has been delayed twice and is now targeting August 26. Coverage for the launch will start at 6:55 p.m. ET/3:55 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on X and SpaceX's website.
Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, has shared new details about the company's roadmap for future iterations of Starship. Starship V4 is currently targeted to fly in 2027, featuring 42 Raptor engines and three additional engines compared to V3.
Heavy flight activity for Starship V3 is expected in 2026, with the current version of Starship anticipated to be a 'massive upgrade' over the current V2. SpaceX has also unveiled the first grid fin for its next-generation Super Heavy booster.
In a significant development, SpaceX has signed its first commercial transportation agreement to Mars with Italy. The first commercial transport agreement for Starship to Mars between SpaceX and Italy will be concluded in Italy. This agreement marks a major step towards SpaceX's goal of making humanity multiplanetary.
As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space travel, the anticipation for the upcoming Starship launch grows. Be sure to tune in on August 26 to witness this historic event.
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