SpaceX has successfully conducted a test launch of its next-generation spacecraft, Starship V3, ahead of its upcoming initial public offering (IPO). The mission, which included key objectives such as spaceflight and ocean landing, is expected to positively influence investor sentiment as the company prepares to go public.
On May 22, SpaceX broadcasted the launch and flight of its 12th Starship rocket, Starship V3, via its official social media platform X. Launched from SpaceX's Starbase in Texas, the rocket completed a suborbital flight and successfully landed in the Indian Ocean. During the flight, it successfully deployed 22 model satellites and streamed the entire process live.
This successful test is seen as a significant achievement for SpaceX ahead of its planned Nasdaq listing next month. Market analysts predict that the company's valuation could reach approximately $1.75 trillion (about 2,658 trillion won) following the IPO.
Starship V3 is a next-generation launch vehicle developed to support NASA's lunar exploration project. In its recent IPO filing, SpaceX stated, "Starship is the most powerful launch system ever developed, capable of carrying up to 100 tons of cargo, with plans to double its payload capacity in future models."
However, some technical challenges were noted. The first-stage booster, Super Heavy, successfully separated but failed to land upright in the ocean due to ignition issues with some engines. Additionally, one of the six engines on the Starship experienced an ignition failure, but the flight continued thanks to adjustments made to the remaining engines.
SpaceX had initially planned to attempt the launch a day earlier but postponed it by a day due to issues detected in the hydraulic system of the launch tower.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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