SpaceX Scrubs Starship V3 Launch Attempt at Texas Site
A planned test flight of the newest Starship prototype was halted Thursday evening after a hydraulic pin failed to retract. The company said it will attempt another launch as early as Friday.
SpaceX scrubbed its planned Starship V3 launch attempt Thursday evening after a hydraulic pin holding the tower arm in place did not retract. The company had been testing the redesigned rocket, which is built to carry larger payloads for future missions including to the moon.
Post by @Forbes on X
Countdown holds continued until teams determined the issue could not be resolved in time. The company stated another launch attempt could occur as early as Friday evening if the tower arm is fixed.
A singer known for the song "Starships" made a surprise appearance at the Starbase Texas facility wearing a SpaceX Starship T-shirt. The singer thanked the company leader for contributions to humanity and described the moment as historic during the livestream. The company posted a welcome message on its social media account ahead of the attempt.
The visit follows earlier public appearances by the same singer alongside the president at events promoting recently passed tax legislation. The singer has described herself as the president's number one fan in prior statements. The company leader has attended multiple rocket launches in recent years and supported the president's campaign through donations.
The company filed its IPO prospectus publicly earlier in the week. " — Singer, May 21, 2026 (Business Insider) The company reported the launch scrub on its official social media account and confirmed plans for a follow-up attempt.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- May 22, 2:02 PM ET
2 new sources added: @SawyerMerritt, Forbes
2 sources@SawyerMerritt · Forbes - May 21, 2026
SpaceX scrubbed Starship V3 launch attempt due to hydraulic pin issue.
2 sourcesBusiness Insider · Forbes - May 21, 2026
Singer appeared at Starbase Texas wearing Starship T-shirt and praised company efforts.
2 sourcesBusiness Insider · Forbes - May 22, 2026
Company confirmed possible second launch attempt for Friday evening.
2 sourcesBusiness Insider · Forbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Company will conduct additional pre-launch checks before next attempt.
- 02
IPO filing proceeds on schedule despite launch delay.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
NprWHO Director Visits Congo as Ebola Outbreak Spreads
The head of the World Health Organization arrived in Kinshasa to support efforts against a rare Ebola strain. Health workers face equipment shortages, community distrust, and armed conflict in affected provinces.
medpagetoday.comFDA Panel Recommends XFG Variant for Fall Covid Shots
Replimune will submit an application to the FDA for the third time. Pfizer and Innovent Biologics reached a collaboration agreement valued at up to $10.5 billion.
Benzinga Publishes Article on Biotech Stocks During Pandemic Recovery
Benzinga published an article titled 'Best Biotech Stocks Right Now' that addresses the sector's position during global recovery from the pandemic. The piece notes government institutions and professional traders are focusing on biotech companies for vaccine and booster developme…