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Safety concerns delay Starship V3 launch to May 12

5/7/2026

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Story summary
  • Repeated explosive tests at SpaceX’s Starbase have raised safety concerns for Starship V3.
  • A water-deluge test exploded after a prior Raptor engine test blew up, moving the launch to May 12 with a May 13 backup.
  • SpaceX added a reinforced steel plate and water-deluge system after the 2023 launch damaged the pad, making NASA’s 2028 lunar landing plan hinge on fixing the recurring problems.