The V1 and V2 era of Starship has concluded after a largely successful 2.5-year run, defined by iterative development through progress, setbacks, and triumphs.
In this timeframe, SpaceX has:
- Demonstrated ten straight reliable ascents of history’s most powerful rocket booster,
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The V1 and V2 era of Starship has concluded after a largely successful 2.5-year run, defined by iterative development through progress, setbacks, and triumphs.
In this timeframe, SpaceX has:
- Demonstrated ten straight reliable ascents of history’s most powerful rocket booster, Super Heavy, frequently with 33/33 Raptor engines but also proving reliable engine-out capability
- Proven hot-staging as a viable technique for a reusable vehicle of this size
- Returned three boosters to Starbase to be caught by the same tower they launched from
- Re-flown two of those boosters
- Demonstrated Raptor re-lights in space and deployment of Starlink satellite simulators
- Completed five soft splashdowns of the Starship upper stage, with four precisely on target
The above would not be possible without the iterative development mindset that makes SpaceX so special. While that development is not over, the future will see a matured Starship design whose reliability and robustness is critical to begin flying operational missions.
In the coming months and into 2026, SpaceX will aim to:
- Complete Pad 2 at Starbase
- Finish builds of the first Starship V3 hardware, which includes the upgraded Super Heavy booster and upper stage Starship
- Demonstrate in-space propellant transfer as to refill Starship on-orbit, a critical feature of the overall infrastructure
- Deploy payloads from Starship, including Starlink satellites
- Return Starship to Starbase for catch by the tower just like Super Heavy
- Re-fly Starship, demonstrating reusability of its heat shield
- Begin flying missions from Florida
The most exciting time to be alive is now.
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