SpaceX Starship launch RECAP: V3 'megarocket' flight stopped seconds before takeoff

SpaceX has said it is unable to clear an issue in time for the launch today.

"New rocket, new pad. We're learning a lot about these systems as we execute them for the first time and we're not able to troubleshoot all of these issues in the final seconds to get to launch," a representative for SpaceX said during the livestream.

SpaceX will get into a flight "tomorrow" (Friday, May 22).

Starship will launch within seconds.

Starship is planned to play a role in putting crew and cargo on the lunar surface under NASA’s Artemis program.

Watch the launch live here

The launch can be streamed here.

SpaceX has said in a post on social media:

"The flight test's primary goal will be to demonstrate each of these new pieces in the flight environment for the first time, with each element of the Starship architecture featuring significant redesigns to enable full and rapid reuse that incorporate learnings from years of development and testing," SpaceX said on its website.

The weather conditions are 55% favourable.

The test flight is expected to last about 65 minutes.

Starship V3 now stands 408 feet tall when fully stacked, making it slightly taller than the earlier version.

With the addition of new engines on both the Super Heavy booster and the Ship, the combined system is expected to produce about 18 million pounds of thrust, marking a major jump in power and performance.

Space X said in an update: "On track for today’s Starship flight test. The launch window is from 5.30 pm. CT – 7 pm CT and live coverage starts 45 minutes before launch."

With an update on X, SpaceX said "weather is currently 55% favourable for liftoff".

Space.com said: "The flight will be the 12th overall for Starship, and it will be broadly similar to previous efforts — a suborbital jaunt that ends with controlled ocean splashdowns of Starship's Super Heavy booster and its Ship upper stage."

Elon Musk suspended flights "multiple times this year amid issues with boosters, launchpad equipment and software integration," Investor's Business Daily reported.

SpaceX also added that "the newest Starship is designed for long-duration flights with more efficient reaction controls, full reusability, and enhanced reliability".

A message on SpaceX website read: "The flight test's primary goal will be to demonstrate each of these new pieces in the flight environment for the first time, with each element of the Starship architecture featuring significant redesigns to enable full and rapid reuse that incorporate learnings from years of development and test."

Elon Musk also said SpaceX's mission is a specific test he uses to define a genuinely self-sustaining civilization beyond Earth.

CBS News said this launch "is also a critical mission for NASA, which is counting on SpaceX to develop and deliver a flight-tested, human-rated version of the Starship upper stage to carry Artemis astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon's surface and back before the end of 2028".

Meanwhile, with an update on X, SpaceX said "Falcon 9 launches 29 Starlink satellites from Florida". 

Elon Musk's company is hoping Starship will help send astronauts to the Moon and reach Mars one day.

The V3 Starship has new Raptor 3 engines as well as a new launch pad.

Here are more photos of the rocket from Space X.

USA Today explained that "SpaceX is developing the rocket to be a fully reusable transportation system, meaning both the rocket and vehicle can return to the ground for additional missions".

Space X initially said the launch was going to take place on May 19. When it was delayed, no reason was given. 

The rocket's launch has so far been delayed twice.

This launch will be critical, especially if Musk's project of sending humans to Mars is considered.

Writing on X earlier this week, Elon Musk said: "The Starship production pipeline is full and will complete roughly 10 more ships and about half that number of boosters this year, so, if something goes wrong, it will not be a major setback, unless the launch stand is destroyed."

The rocket is 408-foot-tall (124 meters) and is bigger and more powerful than previous Starship versions.

Here is a small video showing the rocket in Texas ahead of the launch. 

The Starship and Super Heavy booster, which weighs around 5,000 metric tons, measures over 124 metres.

The launch will take place in Texas.

The new launch window will open later today at 11.30pm UK time. Here is an update from Space X.

The Starship V3 rocket is finally set to launch after two delays.