SpaceX rolls out Starship Super Heavy Booster V3: Bigger, bolder, and aiming for the stars
SpaceX just showed off its first Version 3 Super Heavy Starship—Booster 18—at its Texas Starbase on November 20, 2025.
This new rocket is taller than before and packed with upgrades, marking a big step forward for the company's next-gen space plans.
What's new with Starship V3?
Starship V3 stands about 5 feet taller than the last version and runs on upgraded Raptor engines.
It features larger grid fins (think: better steering), stronger internal tanks, and a redesigned fuel system to handle intense launches.
The rocket is fully reusable and can haul approximately 200 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) when fully reusable, and potentially more if used as an expendable booster.
Testing the limits—and learning fast
During a tough ground test on November 21, Booster 18's liquid oxygen tank took some heavy damage under extreme pressure.
It's a reminder that building rockets isn't easy—but every test helps SpaceX get closer to reliable launches.
How does it stack up?
Compared to NASA's SLS or Blue Origin's New Glenn, Starship V3 promises way more payload capacity and full reusability.
While there have been some delays from technical hiccups, this rocket could soon be key for NASA missions (like Artemis lunar landings).