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SpaceX delays Starship launch after technical glitch
22 May 2026

SpaceX has postponed the launch of its upgraded Starship megarocket due to a technical issue.

The company had initially planned to test the third generation of its massive rocket on Thursday, but after multiple countdown stops and starts, it has now pushed the attempt to Friday.

The delay was announced by SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot during a live stream of the event.

Hydraulic pin failed to hold tower arm in place
Issue details

The reason behind the launch delay was a failure of the hydraulic pin that holds the tower arm in place.

Elon Musk took to X to share this information. He said if it could be fixed by Friday evening, another attempt would be made at 5:30pm local time (22:30 GMT).

About the upcoming Starship launch
Lunar connection

The upcoming launch will provide a live-streamed view of SpaceX's efforts to build its massive Starship rocket. It is a critical part of both SpaceX's plans and NASA's mission to return to the Moon.

This would be the 12th flight of Starship, but the first in seven months.

The latest design is taller than its predecessor, measuring just over 407 feet (124 meters) when fully stacked.

Test mission aims for safe splashdown after flight
Mission goals

The primary aim of this mission is to test the redesigns in flight.

The "Super Heavy" booster will splash into the water in Gulf of America, while the upper stage will deploy a payload of 20 mock satellites and two "specially modified Starlink satellites" equipped with cameras.

These will study the spacecraft's heat shield during its journey through space.

Previous missions ended in catastrophic explosions
Mission duration

The test mission is expected to last some 65 minutes after liftoff. The upper stage will travel on a suborbital trajectory before splashing down in the Indian Ocean, if all goes according to plan.

However, it must be noted that previous Starship missions have ended in catastrophic explosions, including twice over the Caribbean Sea and once after reaching space.

SpaceX's IPO filing adds urgency to successful Starship launch
IPO significance

The postponed launch comes a day after SpaceX filed with US financial regulators to go public, possibly in June. The move could result in a record-breaking initial public offering (IPO).

The filing gives potential investors an in-depth look at the company's finances, risks involved, and business strategy.

This makes the successful launch of Starship all the more important for SpaceX as it prepares to go public.