"The new prototype that was being tested is known as Version 3, or V3, which is meant to serve as a gigantic upgrade to the Starship rocket, according to SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. Starship V3 is supposed to significantly increase the carrying capacity of the rocket and improve SpaceX's ability to reuse the entire vehicle after launch."
"Video taken of SpaceX's Starbase facility shows the booster, known as Super Heavy, bursting apart as it was being filled with super-cold propellants on a test stand. On Thursday, SpaceX announced that the Super Heavy booster was about to begin ground tests ahead of the next Starship launch. SpaceX has not commented on social media about the incident. The company didn't immediately respond to a request for further details."
A newly upgraded SpaceX Starship Super Heavy booster (V3) ruptured during a cryogenic ground fueling test at the Starbase facility, captured by bystander footage. The booster burst apart while being filled with super-cold propellants on a test stand. SpaceX had announced ground tests for the booster ahead of the next Starship launch but has not commented about the incident. The V3 prototype is intended to increase carrying capacity and enable full vehicle reusability. Starship is being developed to launch satellites, carry cargo and humans to the moon and Mars and is part of a NASA lunar-lander contract. Program progress has faced criticism after multiple test failures and delays.
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