# SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has delayed the next Starship test flight for the third time this year.

*aerospace · news · 2026-04-08 · USA TODAY*

## Key points

- SpaceX's Starship Version 3 will debut on the 12th test flight, now delayed to May.
- Version 3 Starship is larger and significantly more powerful than previous models, per Elon Musk.
- NASA may consider Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander for Artemis III due to SpaceX delays.
- SpaceX is preparing for a summer IPO, potentially listing on Nasdaq as early as June.
- Version 3 aims to demonstrate in-orbit refueling, a key step for Mars missions.

**Companies:** SpaceX
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on USA TODAY](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/04/08/spacex-delays-starship-elon-musk/89499458007/)

---

Canonical: https://newsio.io/n/1660e44f-af3f-4662-8850-54256453c199/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-has-delayed-the-next-starship-test-flight-for-the-third-tim
Summarized by Newsio from USA TODAY. https://newsio.io/how-it-works