SpaceX launch LIVE: Watch Starship V3 blasting off after Thusday’s attempt called off | Science | News

SpaceX’s Starship V3, called the longest and most powerful space rocket ever built, is preparing for launch tonight, May 22. Starship V3, which includes dozens of upgrades designed for crewless and rapid Starlink satellite launches and NASA moon missions, was scheduled to launch on Thursday, but the launch was canceled at the 11th hour.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk said yesterday that the hydraulic pin on one of the giant mechanical arms of the launch tower on the X did not retract as designed, which led to the decision to cancel the launch. He said on May 21: “If this can be resolved tonight, there will be another launch attempt tomorrow.” Now SpaceX is preparing for Starship’s launch during the 90-minute launch window, which opens at 5.30pm Central Time (23.30 BST) on Friday. Ahead of Thursday’s launch attempt, Mr Musk sought to temper expectations in case of failure, saying: “The factory has a large pipeline of V3 ships and boosters.” He said a failure would not affect the pace of future Starship test launches for “more than a month.”

THIS IS A LIVE BLOG. FOLLOW OUR NEWS BELOW.