SpaceX Sets March 14 for Starship's Third Test Flight Amid Ambitious Goals

The upcoming test aims to demonstrate key capabilities, including in-space engine re-light and propellant transfer, as SpaceX advances its reusable rocket technology.

SpaceX is targeting March 14 for the third test flight of its Starship rocket, pending regulatory approval from the FAA.
The upcoming Starship test aims to demonstrate several ambitious objectives, including successful ascent burns of both stages, opening and closing the payload door, a propellant transfer demonstration, and the first-ever re-light of a Raptor engine in space.
Previous Starship tests have ended in explosions, but provided valuable data for iterative development. SpaceX has completed 17 corrective actions required by the FAA following the second test flight.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is also making headlines, with a booster set for a record 20th launch, highlighting the company's success in reusable rocket technology.
NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon by 2026 depend on the certification and readiness of a modified version of Starship as a lander.