The inaugural test flight of SpaceX’s Starship Version 3 (V3), the 12th Starship flight test, was scrubbed on May 21, 2026, after multiple holds and resets at the T-40 seconds, during the terminal countdown.
SpaceX reported that technical issues with the quick disconnect arm on the launch tower and anomalous sensor readings from the water diverter system prevented the countdown from proceeding. Launch controllers exhausted the available hold time attempting to resolve the anomalies before officially standing down.
Because the 407-foot-tall launch vehicle had been fully loaded with over 11.5 million pounds of liquid methane and liquid oxygen propellants, SpaceX characterized the scrubbed attempt as a successful wet dress rehearsal.
“We’re learning a lot about these systems as we execute them for the first time, and we’re not able to basically troubleshoot all of these issues in those final seconds to get to launch… But that essentially makes this a wet dress rehearsal.”
Flight 12 marks a significant hardware transition for the Starship program. The V3 architecture features a redesigned Super Heavy booster and upper stage, alongside 33 new Raptor V3 engines capable of generating 18 million pounds of thrust. The mission also served as the debut for Starbase’s Launch Pad 2, which includes a bi-directional flame diverter and 100% electromechanical chopstick actuators.
The payload for the flight included 20 Starlink simulators and two modified V2 Mini satellites, referred to internally as “Dodger Dogs,” designed to act as technology demonstrators for the upcoming Starlink V3 network.
After working to troubleshoot the quick disconnect arm issues and resolve the water diverter sensor problems, SpaceX is preparing for its next launch attempt. The company announced it will try again today, Friday, May 22, with a 90-minute launch window opening at 6:30 p.m. ET.