Elon Musk's SpaceX postpones Starship launch
Source: BBC Technology
Launch postponed
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has postponed the launch of its massive Starship rocket, planning another attempt on Friday.
Musk said on social media that the delay was caused by a malfunctioning hydraulic pin on part of the launch tower.
“If that can be fixed tonight, there will be another launch attempt tomorrow at 5:30 CT [22:30 GMT],” he added.
The uncrewed launch will mark the debut of the Starship V3 after months of testing delays.
Image credit: Reuters
Upcoming IPO
SpaceX is preparing an initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq, which could become the largest in Wall Street history. The listing is expected to start next month under the ticker symbol SPCX.
Because of the shares Musk will own in SpaceX, the listing could make him the first‑ever trillionaire.
Starship V3 details
SpaceX describes the Starship V3 as “the most powerful launch system ever developed.” According to the IPO filing:
- Expected payload capacity: 100 metric tons (future generations aim to double this).
- Designed for rapid launches of Starlink satellites and NASA missions to the Moon.
- Incorporates dozens of upgrades to improve performance and turnaround time.
Financial overview
- SpaceX has spent more than $15 billion (£11.2 billion) on the Starship programme.
- The company values itself at $1.25 trillion; Musk’s majority ownership could make his stake worth over $600 billion.
- In the previous year, SpaceX generated $18.6 billion in revenue with a net loss of $4.9 billion.
- In the first quarter of this year, sales were $4.7 billion with a net loss of $4.3 billion.