Starship Model 3 flew for the primary time this week in a mission of a number of firsts, performing notably higher than earlier model debuts, demonstrating that the upgraded automobile stays on observe to grow to be the workhorse Tremendous Heavy Raise Launch automobile for SpaceX. Nevertheless, some points require decision earlier than SpaceX returns to booster catches.
Flight 12:
Following a easy countdown and propellant loading, the countdown clock paused briefly at T-40 seconds to finish remaining pushback operations earlier than resuming.
Booster 19 and Ship 39 lifted off collectively on Might 22 at 22:30 UTC from Pad 2 at Starbase in South Texas.
The flight carried a whole lot of upgrades, together with simplified and extra highly effective Raptor 3 engines, elevated propellant capability, and new programs designed to help Starship’s future operational objectives.
The first goal was to point out that the closely revised automobile may nonetheless meet or exceed the efficiency of earlier flights.
Booster Efficiency and Anomalies
Booster 19 efficiently ignited all 33 of its new Raptor 3 engines at liftoff. One engine shut down roughly two-thirds of the best way by way of ascent, however total booster efficiency remained akin to earlier Raptor 2 flights.
The stack carried out a dramatic 270-degree roll program instantly after clearing the launch mount to align with the right downrange heading. This aggressive maneuver was required as a result of Pad 2’s totally different orientation in comparison with Pad 1.
Because of the brand new hold-down system and better thrust from the Raptor 3 engines, liftoff was noticeably faster than on Flight 11, giving the automobile a considerably improved thrust-to-weight ratio.
STARSHIP FLIGHT 12
A aspect by aspect take a look at the the launch of Starship flight 11, the ultimate launch on Pad 1 and Starship flight 12 the primary launch of the brand new and improved pad, engines, and automobiles. @NASASpaceflight | pic.twitter.com/He0jveftC7— Elisar Priel (@ENNEPS) May 23, 2026
This efficiency increase was evident at sizzling staging, the place the stack reached over 5,700 km/h — quicker than each Model 1 (~5,300 km/h) and Model 2 (~4,700 km/h).
A key change on this flight was the new staging sequence itself. SpaceX now retains 5 engines on the booster (the central three plus two from the inside ring) quite than three. The boostback burn was deliberate to ignite all 33 Raptor 3 engines, producing an estimated 12–13 G’s of acceleration with solely about 10% propellant remaining.
Nevertheless, a number of engines did not relight at startup, accompanied by an lively occasion in line with a Raptor explosion.
Shade-coding the engine config in response to startup/shutdown sequences REALLY reveals the influence of that single engine on the whole booster.
3 different engines failed to totally gentle earlier than the energetic occasion. pic.twitter.com/0KdIbdWIV2
— TheSpaceEngineer (@mcrs987) May 23, 2026
The booster aborted the boostback burn and continued in a ballistic trajectory over the Gulf.
Regardless of the lack of management in the course of the preliminary coast, the booster regained perspective authority as soon as it reached denser ambiance. Its grid fins demonstrated glorious management, guiding the automobile to a steady descent. A touchdown burn try was made but in addition failed, leading to a high-speed influence with the Gulf.
Whereas the booster was misplaced, the flight yielded useful knowledge on Raptor 3 operations and grid fin efficiency in off-nominal situations.
Ship 39’s Flight Profile
Ship 39 skilled an early engine-out when one RVac shut down simply 36 seconds after ignition, forcing the remaining engines to burn longer. Digicam views confirmed important heating and harm within the engine bay, with glowing purple elements and sea-level engines gimbaling to compensate for the thrust imbalance.
Regardless of the anomaly, the ship achieved a steady coast part utilizing its new response management system vents, sustaining exact perspective management all through. It efficiently deployed all 20 Starlink V3 simulators and two modified V2 Mini “Dodger Canine” satellites outfitted with cameras.
Views of Starship in house from a @Starlink satellite tv for pc pic.twitter.com/5hfw1n8v1o
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 22, 2026
The ship used its thrusters to orient the heatshield towards the satellites for imaging, offering useful knowledge for future heatshield well being monitoring.
The deliberate in-space Raptor relight was canceled because of the early engine-out. Because of this, the satellites remained nearer than meant throughout reentry, making a placing visible of small plasma trails burning up behind the ship.
Ship 39’s reentry showcased spectacular crossrange functionality. As a result of off-nominal trajectory, the automobile executed an extended entry profile and yawed considerably south, utilizing elevate not solely to handle descent but in addition to momentarily acquire altitude. Regardless of the demanding profile, thermal safety carried out properly with minimal tile loss and no seen burn-through on the flaps.
The ship survived aggressive aft flap testing and executed a notably sharper dynamic banking maneuver than seen on Flight 11. Through the touchdown burn, it operated on two engines (transitioning to 1 close to the top), finishing a full 360-degree roll earlier than splashing down within the Indian Ocean roughly one hour and 6 minutes after liftoff.
Starship flip and touchdown burn on the finish of its twelfth flight take a look at pic.twitter.com/0iJUox3FJt
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 25, 2026
Publish-flight imagery revealed an exceptionally clear heatshield and superbly tempered leeward-side chrome steel with its attribute iridescent end.
Regulatory Standing and Future Outlook
Whereas a number of objects would require consideration — notably the booster’s directional flip and boostback engine startup — these are challenges SpaceX has efficiently resolved in earlier iterations. The hole to a totally profitable Model 3 flight seems comparatively small.
The FAA is at the moment assessing the flight. In a press release to NASASpaceflight, the company famous: “The anomaly concerned the Tremendous Heavy booster throughout its flyback over the Gulf of America. There aren’t any stories of public damage or harm to public property. The FAA is assessing the operation. A mishap willpower has not been made at the moment.”
Past the flight itself, SpaceX made a number of notable bulletins within the lead-up.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman visited Starbase in the course of the marketing campaign, discussing Artemis with the workforce.
Jared's on the SpaceX stream, noting they could get the Artemis III SLS out on 39B for a WDR by the top of the yr. pic.twitter.com/EytrPsuM2z
— NSF – NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) May 22, 2026
SpaceX additionally revealed plans for a lunar Starlink constellation utilizing laser-linked relay satellites and confirmed that Fram2 commander Chun Wang has signed up for Starship’s first crewed interplanetary mission — a two-year Mars flyby. Wang will first fly with Dennis and Akiko Tito on the beforehand contracted crewed lunar flyby, doubtlessly as early as 2034.
Starship Flight 12 has supplied a wealth of information that ought to speed up progress towards fast reusability. With Model 3 now confirmed in flight, the trail ahead seems to be more and more clear.
Subsequent up will likely be Booster 20 and Ship 40 for Flight 13.
This mission might launch within the July-August timeframe, pending testing and any mitigation efforts regarding the problems discovered throughout Flight 12.
The launch pad seems to be in fine condition, eradicating it from being a possible bottleneck to Booster 20’s Static Hearth take a look at, though that isn’t anticipated for weeks.
Lead Picture through Tyler Grey for NSF.
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