Musk's SpaceX postpones Starship launch as mega share sale looms

BBC News - WorldFiled 2026-05-22 · 02:57 GMTLean · CenterRead · 1 min

BBC NEWS - WORLD

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SpaceX has postponed the uncrewed launch of its Starship V3 rocket, described as the most powerful launch system ever developed. This decision comes shortly after the company revealed plans for a record-breaking stock market debut. The Starship V3, which has undergone months of testing delays, is designed for rapid launches of Starlink satellites and NASA lunar missions, with future generations intended to double its 100-metric-ton payload capacity. SpaceX has invested over $15 billion in the Starship program. The company is valued at $1.25 trillion, with Elon Musk holding a majority stake. In the previous year, SpaceX generated $18.6 billion in revenue but reported a net loss of $4.9 billion.

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SpaceX reported $18.6 billion in revenue but a net loss of $4.9 billion last year.

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SpaceX has invested over $15 billion in the Starship program.

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Starship V3 is expected to carry a payload of 100 metric tons, with future generations doubling this.

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Starship V3 is described as 'the most powerful launch system ever developed'.

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SpaceX postponed the Starship V3 rocket launch due to months of testing delays.

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Full report

1 min read · 161 words

The uncrewed launch will mark the debut of the Starship V3 rocket after months of testing delays.SpaceX described it as "the most powerful launch system ever developed" in its IPO filing."We expect that Starship V3 will be able to carry a payload of 100 metric tons, with future generations of Starship being designed to double this payload," it added.It features dozens of upgrades designed for rapid launches of the firm's Starlink satellites and Nasa missions to the moon.SpaceX has spent more than $15bn (£11.2bn) on the Starship programme, according to the filing.SpaceX values itself at $1.25tn, and Musk's majority ownership of the company means his share could be worth more than $600bn.Last year, Musk, who is also the chief executive of electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla, became the first person to achieve a net worth of more than $500bn.Last year, Space Exploration Technologies - as it is officially known - brought in $18.6bn in revenue but had a net loss $4.9bn.

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