# SpaceX launched its 12th Starship on an uncrewed test flight from Texas on Friday.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-22 · MarketScreener*

## Key points

- The Starship V3 launched for the first time, featuring new Raptor 3 engines and design upgrades.
- Starship V3's test flight included deploying 20 mock Starlink satellites and two actual satellites for heat shield data.
- A single heat shield tile was deliberately removed to study aerodynamic stress effects during reentry.
- This test flight is critical for investor confidence ahead of SpaceX's anticipated $1.75 trillion IPO next month.
- Starship V3 incorporates ship-to-ship docking and in-space refueling, crucial for future NASA lunar missions.

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

[Read the full story on MarketScreener](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/spacex-s-upgraded-starship-v3-blasts-off-in-debut-test-flight-from-texas-ce7f5adcdb8ff32c)

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