Why did SpaceX abort the Starship V3 launch?

The launch was automatically aborted due to several Raptor engines failing to ignite properly after ignition. SpaceX plans to replace two engines before the next attempt.

What were SpaceX's goals for this launch?

SpaceX aimed to deploy the first third-generation Starlink satellites and test Starship V3's capabilities, including orbital data center concepts.

When will the next Starship launch occur?

The next Starship V3 launch attempt is expected no earlier than next week, following engine replacements and failure analysis.

← All news

Hardware

SpaceX Aborts Second Starship V3 Launch After Engine Ignition

July 17, 2026

Photo: TechCrunch

Quick answer

SpaceX canceled the second launch attempt of the Starship V3 rocket after its automated system detected engine failures post-ignition. The launch was aborted when multiple Raptor engines failed to activate properly.

SpaceX aborted the second test launch of its third-generation Starship rocket (V3) after its automated system detected engine anomalies immediately after ignition at the South Texas launch site. Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO, stated on X* that the abort was caused by unexpected behavior in several Raptor engines. The company will replace two engines, with the next attempt scheduled for no earlier than next week.

This launch was intended to be a pivotal milestone for SpaceX, as it carried the first third-generation Starlink satellites. However, these satellites were planned for intentional destruction 20 minutes after reaching orbit, as Starship V3 remains incapable of stable orbital insertion. The Starlink project remains SpaceX’s primary revenue stream and its only profitable business segment.

The previous Starship V3 launch in May ended in partial success: the rocket lifted off, but the first stage (Super Heavy) failed to perform its planned landing, and the upper stage lost one of its engines. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an investigation and permitted SpaceX to resume flights after necessary corrections were made. Now, the company must address the causes of this new failure and prepare for the next launch.

Common questions

Why did SpaceX abort the Starship V3 launch?: The launch was automatically aborted due to several Raptor engines failing to ignite properly after ignition. SpaceX plans to replace two engines before the next attempt.
What were SpaceX's goals for this launch?: SpaceX aimed to deploy the first third-generation Starlink satellites and test Starship V3's capabilities, including orbital data center concepts.
When will the next Starship launch occur?: The next Starship V3 launch attempt is expected no earlier than next week, following engine replacements and failure analysis.

Dzen feed: /feed/dzen.xml · RSS: /feed.xml