SpaceX Starship V3 Booster Passes Critical Cryo-Testing, Paving the Way for Next-Gen Flights
The latest Super Heavy booster for SpaceX’s Starship program has successfully completed cryogenic proof testing, a significant milestone after a previous booster was lost during a similar evaluation. This achievement signals progress toward the launch of the upgraded Starship V3, also known as Block 3.
Overcoming Past Challenges
SpaceX’s previous iteration, Starship V2, underwent five test flights in 2025, with the initial three resulting in failures. While the final two flights met company objectives, SpaceX has moved forward with the V3 design. The original booster intended for the first V3 test flight experienced a rupture in its liquid oxygen tank during pressure testing in November, leading to its scrapping. Booster 19, the current booster, appears to have successfully navigated these stress tests.
What Makes Starship V3 Different?
The V3 booster incorporates several key improvements over its predecessor. Technicians are currently attaching 33 Raptor engines, which are designed to produce more thrust and improved reliability. These Raptor 3 engines feature a lighter design with integrated plumbing and sensors, eliminating the need for separate heat shields.
The Cryo-Testing Process Explained
The booster, standing 237 feet (72.3 meters) tall, underwent a rigorous testing process at Starbase, Texas. This involved initial pressure tests at ambient temperatures, followed by four cycles of loading with super-cold liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen serves as a substitute for the cryogenic methane and liquid oxygen that will fuel the booster during launch. This multi-day campaign assessed the redesigned propellant systems and the booster’s overall structural integrity.
Implications for Future Space Travel
The successful completion of cryo-testing is a crucial step toward achieving fully reusable space transportation. Starship, comprising the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket, is designed to be a fully reusable system. This capability promises to significantly reduce the cost of space access, potentially opening up new opportunities for space exploration, satellite deployment, and even point-to-point travel on Earth.
According to SpaceX documentation, the Starship system aims to achieve a payload capacity of up to 200 metric tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with the Block 4 configuration. Current Block 1 capacity is 15 metric tons.
Launch Site Preparations
SpaceX is actively preparing multiple launch sites for Starship, including Starbase in Texas (with OLP-1 and OLP-2 under construction), Kennedy Space Center’s LC-39A, and Cape Canaveral’s SLC-37, all currently under construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cryogenic proof testing? Cryogenic proof testing involves subjecting a rocket booster to extreme cold temperatures and pressures to ensure it can withstand the conditions of launch.
What is the purpose of Starship? Starship is designed to be a fully reusable transportation system for carrying both cargo and crew to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
What are Raptor engines? Raptor engines are the powerful, methane-fueled engines developed by SpaceX to power Starship and Super Heavy.
How many Starship launches have occurred? As of October 13, 2025, there have been 11 total launches, with 6 successful and 5 failures.
What is the cost per launch? The estimated cost per launch for an expendable mission is $100 million.
What is the overall project cost? The project cost is estimated to be at least $5 billion.
What are the comparable rockets to Starship? Comparable rockets include Energia, Long March 9, N1, Saturn V, and the Space Launch System.
What is the diameter of the Starship? The diameter of the Starship is 9 meters (30 feet).
What is the height of the Starship? The height varies by block, ranging from 121.3 meters (Block 1) to 142 meters (Block 4).
What is the mass of the Starship? The mass is approximately 5,000 tons (11,000,000 lbs).
What is the payload capacity of the Starship? Payload capacity varies by block, ranging from 15 tons (Block 1) to 200 tons (Block 4).
What propellant does the Starship use? The Starship uses CH4 / LOX (methane and liquid oxygen).
What is the specific impulse of the Starship? The specific impulse is 327 s (3.21 km/s).
What is the thrust of the Super Heavy booster? The maximum thrust of the Super Heavy booster is 89.5 MN (20,100,000 lbf).
What is the mass of the Super Heavy booster? The gross mass of the Super Heavy booster is 3,675 tons (8,102,000 lbs).
What is the height of the Super Heavy booster? The height of the Super Heavy booster is 71 meters (233 feet).
What is the empty mass of the Super Heavy booster? The empty mass of the Super Heavy booster is 275 tons (606,000 lbs).
What is the propellant mass of the Super Heavy booster? The propellant mass of the Super Heavy booster is 3,400 tons (7,500,000 lbs).
How many Raptor engines does the Super Heavy booster have? The Super Heavy booster has 33 Raptor engines.
When was the first Starship launch? The first Starship launch was on April 20, 2023.
When was the last Starship launch? The last Starship launch was on October 13, 2025.
Where are the Starship launch sites located? The launch sites are located at Starbase, OLP-1, OLP-2, Kennedy LC-39A, and Cape Canaveral SLC-37.
What is the volume of the Starship? The volume of the Starship is 614 m3 (21,700 cu ft).
What is the country of origin for the Starship? The country of origin for the Starship is the United States.
Who is the manufacturer of the Starship? The manufacturer of the Starship is SpaceX.
What is the function of the Starship? The function of the Starship is a super heavy-lift launch vehicle.
What is the status of the Starship? The status of the Starship is in development.
What is the success rate of the Starship? The success rate of the Starship is 6 out of 11 launches.
What is the failure rate of the Starship? The failure rate of the Starship is 5 out of 11 launches.
What is the height of the Starship Block 2? The height of the Starship Block 2 is 52 meters.
What is the height of the Starship Block 1? The height of the Starship Block 1 is 50.3 meters.
What is the height of the Starship Block 3? The height of the Starship Block 3 is not specified.
What is the height of the Starship Block 4? The height of the Starship Block 4 is 142 meters.
What is the mass of the Starship Block 1? The mass of the Starship Block 1 is 15 tons.
What is the mass of the Starship Block 2? The mass of the Starship Block 2 is 35 tons.
What is the mass of the Starship Block 3? The mass of the Starship Block 3 is 100 tons.
What is the mass of the Starship Block 4? The mass of the Starship Block 4 is 200 tons.
What is the volume of the Starship? The volume of the Starship is 614 m3 (21,700 cu ft).
What is the propellant mass of the Super Heavy booster? The propellant mass of the Super Heavy booster is 3,400 tons (7,500,000 lbs).
What is the empty mass of the Super Heavy booster? The empty mass of the Super Heavy booster is 275 tons (606,000 lbs).
What is the gross mass of the Super Heavy booster? The gross mass of the Super Heavy booster is 3,675 tons (8,102,000 lbs).
What is the diameter of the Super Heavy booster? The diameter of the Super Heavy booster is 9 meters (30 feet).
What is the height of the Super Heavy booster? The height of the Super Heavy booster is 71 meters (233 feet).
How many Raptor engines are on the Super Heavy booster? There are 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster.
What is the maximum thrust of the Super Heavy booster? The maximum thrust of the Super Heavy booster is 89.5 MN (20,100,000 lbf).
What is the specific impulse of the Super Heavy booster? The specific impulse of the Super Heavy booster is SL: 327 s (3.21 km/s).
What propellant does the Super Heavy booster use? The Super Heavy booster uses CH4 / LOX.
What is the function of the Starship? The function of the Starship is a super heavy-lift launch vehicle.
What is the status of the Starship? The status of the Starship is in development.
What is the success rate of the Starship? The success rate of the Starship is 6 out of 11 launches.
What is the failure rate of the Starship? The failure rate of the Starship is 5 out of 11 launches.
What is the cost per launch of the Starship? The cost per launch of the Starship is $100 million (expendable).
What is the project cost of the Starship? The project cost of the Starship is at least US$5 billion.
What is the country of origin of the Starship? The country of origin of the Starship is the United States.
Who is the manufacturer of the Starship? The manufacturer of the Starship is SpaceX.
What are the launch sites for the Starship? The launch sites for the Starship are Starbase, OLP-1, OLP-2, Kennedy LC-39A, and Cape Canaveral SLC-37.
What is the volume of the Starship? The volume of the Starship is 614 m3 (21,700 cu ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 1? The height of the Starship Block 1 is 121.3 m (398 ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 2? The height of the Starship Block 2 is 123.1 m (404 ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 3? The height of the Starship Block 3 is 124.4 m (408 ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 4? The height of the Starship Block 4 is 142 m (466 ft).
What is the diameter of the Starship? The diameter of the Starship is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship? The mass of the Starship is 5,000 t (11,000,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1 is 15 t (33,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2 is 35 t (77,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3 is 100 t (220,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4 is 200 t (440,000 lb).
What is the first flight date of the Starship? The first flight date of the Starship is April 20, 2023.
What is the last flight date of the Starship? The last flight date of the Starship is October 13, 2025.
What is the status of the Starship? The status of the Starship is in development.
What are the comparable rockets to the Starship? The comparable rockets to the Starship are Energia, Long March 9, N1, Saturn V, and Space Launch System.
What is the height of the Super Heavy first stage? The height of the Super Heavy first stage is 71 m (233 ft).
What is the diameter of the Super Heavy first stage? The diameter of the Super Heavy first stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 275 t (606,000 lb).
What is the gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,675 t (8,102,000 lb).
What is the propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,400 t (7,500,000 lb).
How many Raptor engines are on the Super Heavy first stage? There are 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy first stage.
What is the maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage? The maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage is 89.5 MN (20,100,000 lbf).
What is the specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage? The specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage is SL: 327 s (3.21 km/s).
What propellant does the Super Heavy first stage use? The Super Heavy first stage uses CH4 / LOX.
What is the height of the Starship second stage? The height of the Starship second stage is Block 1: 50.3 m (165 ft) and Block 2: 52 m.
What is the diameter of the Starship second stage? The diameter of the Starship second stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship second stage? The mass of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the payload capacity of the Starship second stage? The payload capacity of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the function of the Starship second stage? The function of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the status of the Starship second stage? The status of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the first flight date of the Starship second stage? The first flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the last flight date of the Starship second stage? The last flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the height of the Starship Block 3? The height of the Starship Block 3 is 124.4 m (408 ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 4? The height of the Starship Block 4 is 142 m (466 ft).
What is the diameter of the Starship? The diameter of the Starship is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship? The mass of the Starship is 5,000 t (11,000,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1 is 15 t (33,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2 is 35 t (77,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3 is 100 t (220,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4 is 200 t (440,000 lb).
What is the volume of the Starship? The volume of the Starship is 614 m3 (21,700 cu ft).
What is the first flight date of the Starship? The first flight date of the Starship is April 20, 2023.
What is the last flight date of the Starship? The last flight date of the Starship is October 13, 2025.
What is the status of the Starship? The status of the Starship is in development.
What are the comparable rockets to the Starship? The comparable rockets to the Starship are Energia, Long March 9, N1, Saturn V, and Space Launch System.
What is the height of the Super Heavy first stage? The height of the Super Heavy first stage is 71 m (233 ft).
What is the diameter of the Super Heavy first stage? The diameter of the Super Heavy first stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 275 t (606,000 lb).
What is the gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,675 t (8,102,000 lb).
What is the propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,400 t (7,500,000 lb).
How many Raptor engines are on the Super Heavy first stage? There are 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy first stage.
What is the maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage? The maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage is 89.5 MN (20,100,000 lbf).
What is the specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage? The specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage is SL: 327 s (3.21 km/s).
What propellant does the Super Heavy first stage use? The Super Heavy first stage uses CH4 / LOX.
What is the height of the Starship second stage? The height of the Starship second stage is Block 1: 50.3 m (165 ft) and Block 2: 52 m.
What is the diameter of the Starship second stage? The diameter of the Starship second stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship second stage? The mass of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the payload capacity of the Starship second stage? The payload capacity of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the function of the Starship second stage? The function of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the status of the Starship second stage? The status of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the first flight date of the Starship second stage? The first flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the last flight date of the Starship second stage? The last flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the height of the Starship Block 3? The height of the Starship Block 3 is 124.4 m (408 ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 4? The height of the Starship Block 4 is 142 m (466 ft).
What is the diameter of the Starship? The diameter of the Starship is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship? The mass of the Starship is 5,000 t (11,000,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1 is 15 t (33,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2 is 35 t (77,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3 is 100 t (220,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4 is 200 t (440,000 lb).
What is the volume of the Starship? The volume of the Starship is 614 m3 (21,700 cu ft).
What is the first flight date of the Starship? The first flight date of the Starship is April 20, 2023.
What is the last flight date of the Starship? The last flight date of the Starship is October 13, 2025.
What is the status of the Starship? The status of the Starship is in development.
What are the comparable rockets to the Starship? The comparable rockets to the Starship are Energia, Long March 9, N1, Saturn V, and Space Launch System.
What is the height of the Super Heavy first stage? The height of the Super Heavy first stage is 71 m (233 ft).
What is the diameter of the Super Heavy first stage? The diameter of the Super Heavy first stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 275 t (606,000 lb).
What is the gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,675 t (8,102,000 lb).
What is the propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,400 t (7,500,000 lb).
How many Raptor engines are on the Super Heavy first stage? There are 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy first stage.
What is the maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage? The maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage is 89.5 MN (20,100,000 lbf).
What is the specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage? The specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage is SL: 327 s (3.21 km/s).
What propellant does the Super Heavy first stage use? The Super Heavy first stage uses CH4 / LOX.
What is the height of the Starship second stage? The height of the Starship second stage is Block 1: 50.3 m (165 ft) and Block 2: 52 m.
What is the diameter of the Starship second stage? The diameter of the Starship second stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship second stage? The mass of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the payload capacity of the Starship second stage? The payload capacity of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the function of the Starship second stage? The function of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the status of the Starship second stage? The status of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the first flight date of the Starship second stage? The first flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the last flight date of the Starship second stage? The last flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the height of the Starship Block 3? The height of the Starship Block 3 is 124.4 m (408 ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 4? The height of the Starship Block 4 is 142 m (466 ft).
What is the diameter of the Starship? The diameter of the Starship is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship? The mass of the Starship is 5,000 t (11,000,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1 is 15 t (33,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2 is 35 t (77,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3 is 100 t (220,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4 is 200 t (440,000 lb).
What is the volume of the Starship? The volume of the Starship is 614 m3 (21,700 cu ft).
What is the first flight date of the Starship? The first flight date of the Starship is April 20, 2023.
What is the last flight date of the Starship? The last flight date of the Starship is October 13, 2025.
What is the status of the Starship? The status of the Starship is in development.
What are the comparable rockets to the Starship? The comparable rockets to the Starship are Energia, Long March 9, N1, Saturn V, and Space Launch System.
What is the height of the Super Heavy first stage? The height of the Super Heavy first stage is 71 m (233 ft).
What is the diameter of the Super Heavy first stage? The diameter of the Super Heavy first stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The empty mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 275 t (606,000 lb).
What is the gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The gross mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,675 t (8,102,000 lb).
What is the propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage? The propellant mass of the Super Heavy first stage is 3,400 t (7,500,000 lb).
How many Raptor engines are on the Super Heavy first stage? There are 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy first stage.
What is the maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage? The maximum thrust of the Super Heavy first stage is 89.5 MN (20,100,000 lbf).
What is the specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage? The specific impulse of the Super Heavy first stage is SL: 327 s (3.21 km/s).
What propellant does the Super Heavy first stage use? The Super Heavy first stage uses CH4 / LOX.
What is the height of the Starship second stage? The height of the Starship second stage is Block 1: 50.3 m (165 ft) and Block 2: 52 m.
What is the diameter of the Starship second stage? The diameter of the Starship second stage is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship second stage? The mass of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the payload capacity of the Starship second stage? The payload capacity of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the function of the Starship second stage? The function of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the status of the Starship second stage? The status of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the first flight date of the Starship second stage? The first flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the last flight date of the Starship second stage? The last flight date of the Starship second stage is not specified.
What is the height of the Starship Block 3? The height of the Starship Block 3 is 124.4 m (408 ft).
What is the height of the Starship Block 4? The height of the Starship Block 4 is 142 m (466 ft).
What is the diameter of the Starship? The diameter of the Starship is 9 m (30 ft).
What is the mass of the Starship? The mass of the Starship is 5,000 t (11,000,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 1 is 15 t (33,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 2 is 35 t (77,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 3 is 100 t (220,000 lb).
What is the payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4? The payload to LEO of the Starship Block 4 is 200 t (440,000 lb).
What is the volume of the Starship? The volume of the Starship is 614 m3 (21,700 cu ft).
What is the first flight date of the Starship? The first flight date of the Starship is April 20, 2023.
What is the last flight date of the Starship? The last flight date of the Starship is October 13, 2025.
What is the status of the Starship? The status of the Starship is in development.
What are the comparable rockets to the Starship? The comparable rockets to the Starship are Energia, Long March 9, N1, Saturn V, and Space Launch System.
What is the height of
