phil beisel@pbeisel
T-11 days and counting
On May 12, SpaceX will launch the first-ever Starship V3 from the new Pad 2 at Starbase.
First time a version 3 (block 3) Starship is being launched.
The key goals are testing the upgraded vehicle, attempting a Super Heavy booster tower catch, and a controlled Starship reentry with Indian Ocean splashdown.
Starship V3 is taller with much larger propellant tanks than V2, giving it dramatically higher payload capacity.
V3 is powered by advanced Raptor 3 engines: lighter, simpler, and significantly more powerful than the Raptor 2s on Version 2.
The V3 booster features a built-in hot-staging ring and three larger grid fins for better staging and control.
Bottom line: V3 aims for 100+ tons to orbit reusable, a massive leap forward from Version 2.
