# The upgraded Super Heavy-Starship blasted off at about 6:30 p.m. EDT from a new, beefed up pad at SpaceX's Starbase launch site on the Texas Gulf Coast.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-22 · CBS News*

## Key points

- SpaceX's 'version 3' Super Heavy-Starship launched for the first time from a new, upgraded Texas pad.
- The new Starship includes attachment points and systems for in-orbit refueling required for moon missions.
- This test released 22 Starlink satellite simulators, with some equipped to photograph heat shield tiles during re-entry.
- SpaceX plans its first orbital Starship refueling test before the end of the year.
- A heat-shield tile was deliberately removed to study its impact on thermal protection during re-entry.

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

[Read the full story on CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-launches-super-heavy-starship-rocket-version-3-test-flight/)

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