SpaceX on Thursday called off the launch of its 12th Starship rocket from Texas after technical problems interrupted the countdown just seconds before
takeoff. The company said it will try launching the rocket again on Friday. The uncrewed Starship V3 mission was expected to be an important test for the upgraded rocket system, which includes several design improvements for launching Starlink satellites and supporting future NASA moon missions. According to SpaceX founder Elon Musk, the launch was stopped after a hydraulic pin linked to one of the launch tower’s giant mechanical arms failed to retract properly. The countdown was also paused multiple times because of unusual fuel temperature and pressure readings. “If that can be fixed tonight, there will be another launch attempt tomorrow at 5:30 CT,” Musk wrote on X.
The hydraulic pin holding the tower arm in place did not retract.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 21, 2026
If that can be fixed tonight, there will be another launch attempt tomorrow at 5:30 CT. https://t.co/DJAdvDYQpH
SpaceX has spent more than $15 billion developing the fully reusable Starship rocket system. The project is central to Musk’s plans to reduce space launch costs, expand the Starlink satellite network and eventually support deep-space missions.
The V3 version of Starship was introduced after several failed test flights last year, which forced the company to redesign parts of the rocket and delay launches for months.
The latest mission was being closely watched as a key test to prove the rocket’s reliability.
Before the launch attempt, Musk tried to calm concerns about another possible failure, saying SpaceX already has multiple V3 rockets and boosters in production.
He also said that even if the test failed, it would not delay future launches by more than a month.
SpaceX is known for its aggressive testing strategy, where new spacecraft are launched repeatedly, problems are identified, and designs are improved through trial and error.
