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February 11, 2026

SpaceX's next-gen Super Heavy booster aces four days of "cryoproof" testing

The next Starship flight is a key precursor for more ambitious missions.

SpaceX's next-gen Super Heavy booster aces four days of "cryoproof" testing

TL;DR

  • The Super Heavy V3 booster for SpaceX's next Starship flight has successfully completed cryogenic proof testing.
  • This testing involved filling the booster with liquid nitrogen to simulate cryogenic propellants and test structural integrity.
  • The V3 features upgraded Raptor engines with increased thrust and improved reliability, as well as a new three-grid-fin design for stability.
  • The hot-staging ring is now integrated for reuse, unlike previous versions.
  • Successful completion of this test moves SpaceX closer to launching Starship V3, which is important for NASA's Artemis lunar program.
  • The booster will next receive 33 Raptor engines and grid fins before a static fire test.

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