SpaceX Conducts Successful Static Fire Test of Starship V3 Super Heavy Rocket Booster
SpaceX has successfully conducted a static fire test of its Starship V3 Super Heavy rocket booster at its Starbase site in Texas. This test, which took place on May 7, 2026, involved igniting all 33 Raptor engines of the Super Heavy booster while it remained anchored to the launch pad. This marks the first successful full-duration and full-thrust static fire test for the V3 version of the Super Heavy booster. Previous tests with fewer engines had been conducted, but this is the first time all 33 engines were tested simultaneously without issues. The Starship upper stage, known as 'Ship', has also completed a successful static fire test of its six Raptor engines. SpaceX is preparing for the 12th test flight of the Starship, which is expected to occur on May 15, 2026. This flight will be the first for the new, more powerful V3 version of the vehicle.