arstechnica.com·May 12, 2026
SpaceX has stacked its new Starship Version 3 rocket in South Texas, featuring upgrades like more efficient Raptor engines and a new structure for hot staging. This version aims to enable in-orbit refueling, a crucial step for future missions to the Moon under NASA's Artemis program.
SpaceX's development of Starship Version 3, with its enhanced Raptor engines and hot staging capabilities, is set to advance in-orbit refueling, a critical step for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. This capability is essential for SpaceX's plans to support NASA's Artemis missions and establish a presence on the Moon, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration.