SpaceX Completes First Starship V3 Wet Checkout: Over 5,000 Ton Propellant Load Marks Final Pre-flight Milestone
Summary: On May 11, 2026, SpaceX conducted the first full wet checkout of the Starship Version 3 (V3) at Starbase, Texas — loading over 5,000 metric tons (approximately 11 million pounds) of liquid oxygen and liquid methane propellant onto the fully stacked vehicle. This marked the final major ground preparation milestone before the vehicle's maiden flight, currently targeted for May 15.
Overview
SpaceX confirmed on May 11 (local time) that the company had successfully completed the first propellant loading test — known as a wet checkout — on the fully integrated Starship V3 stack at Starbase in South Texas. The operation involved loading more than 5,000 metric tons of liquid oxygen and liquid methane into the vehicle, simulating a full launch countdown sequence.
The V3 configuration stands approximately 124.4 meters (408 feet) tall — surpassing the V2's 123.1 meters — setting a new record as the world's tallest operational rocket.
Key Technical Upgrades
Starship V3 represents a significant evolution over its predecessors:
- Raptor 3 Engines: Extensively 3D-printed with a simplified design, delivering improved thrust and reliability
- LEO Payload Capacity: Rated for over 100 metric tons to low Earth orbit (V1: ~15 t, V2: ~35 t)
- Orbital Propellant Transfer Adapter: V3 introduces hardware for in-orbit propellant transfer — a critical capability for Artemis lunar landing missions and future Mars expeditions
- Thermal Protection: Refined through IFT-7 through IFT-11 flight experience
Launch Timeline
Following the successful wet checkout, SpaceX is targeting May 15 (local time) for the Starship IFT-12 mission — the global debut of the V3 configuration — to fly a new inclined trajectory. If successful, this will set a new world record for rocket height and lay the groundwork for the in-orbit refueling demonstration (OTS-1) planned for June.
Supporting Artemis and Deep Space Exploration
Starship V3 serves as NASA's primary lunar lander for the Artemis program. The upcoming in-orbit refueling demonstration — transferring propellant from one Starship to another in space — is essential for Artemis 3 crewed lunar landing architecture. SpaceX has stated that successful on-orbit refueling will dramatically reduce deep-space mission costs and open a new era for commercial space and interplanetary exploration.