SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared new photos of Starship, the largest rocket in human history, originally posted by user Arthur MacWaters. Photographer Max Evans also provided exclusive shots from Starbase, revealing previously unseen details. These images were taken at the launch site during preparations for the system's 12th test flight. This is reported by Ixbt.com .
The photos show the fully assembled rocket complex, along with close-ups of the Raptor 3 engines, which are being used for the first time in the new generation Starship system. Raptor 3 stands out from its predecessor, the Raptor 2, with higher thrust (~280 tons vs. 230 tons), greater efficiency, and lower weight. Most importantly, thanks to an integrated cooling system, it does not require external heat shielding.
The new Raptor 3 engines have a much simpler design, reducing production costs by nearly four times. They are specifically designed for reuse in the Starship V3 model. Assembly of the first fully upgraded Starship Version 3 has already been completed at the Starbase spaceport. The Super Heavy Booster 19 and Ship 39 have been successfully mated at the second launch pad (Pad 2).
A final wet dress rehearsal is expected before the flight scheduled for May 22. Elon Musk noted that almost every part of the Starship V3 model differs from the V2 version tested in recent years. WDR (Wet Dress Rehearsal) tests have already been completed for Ship 39.
This will be the first flight from the upgraded Starbase launch site. The rocket is planned to carry 20 Starlink satellite mockups and 2 modified satellites into orbit. This mission is expected to be another giant leap for SpaceX in space exploration.
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