On May 21, 2026 local time, SpaceX canceled the inaugural launch attempt of its third-generation Starship rocket system (Starship V3) at its Starbase facility in Texas. The cancellation occurred during the final phase of the launch countdown due to multiple issues with the rocket and launch pad systems, including the failure of hydraulic pins securing the launch tower arm to retract. After resetting the countdown multiple times, SpaceX decided to abort the launch and anticipates making another attempt on Friday local time. This launch holds significant importance for SpaceX, marking the first real-world test of its upgraded Starship V3 hardware and representing the 12th flight of the Starship.
