SpaceX ready to launch upgraded, more powerful Super Heavy-Starship

May 21, 2026 / 12:05 AM EDT

/ CBS News

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A new version of SpaceX's mammoth Starship rocket, featuring multiple upgrades, more powerful engines and major safety enhancements is poised for blastoff Thursday in a critical milestone for Elon Musk's rocket company.It's also a critical mission for NASA, which is counting on SpaceX to develop and deliver a flight-tested, human-rated version of the Starship upper stage to carry Artemis astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon's surface and back before the end of 2028.

SpaceX ready to launch upgraded, more powerful Super Heavy-Starship

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