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SpaceX’s 3rd-Gen Starship Reenters Safely, Secures Private Mars Mission

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

SpaceX launched the third-generation Starship and Super Heavy on May 22 2026, marking the program’s twelfth flight.
The flight achieved reentry without the burn-through problems that plagued earlier tests, with its heat shield withstanding intense reentry heat.
SpaceX said the improved heat-shield performance bodes well for future orbital missions.
In May 2026 the company announced a private Starship mission to Mars booked by cryptocurrency mogul Chun Wang, with no launch date set.

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Story summary

SpaceX launched the third-generation Starship and Super Heavy on May 22 2026, marking the program’s twelfth flight.
The flight achieved reentry without the burn-through problems that plagued earlier tests, with its heat shield withstanding intense reentry heat.
SpaceX said the improved heat-shield performance bodes well for future orbital missions.
In May 2026 the company announced a private Starship mission to Mars booked by cryptocurrency mogul Chun Wang, with no launch date set.