STARSHIP V3 TEST-FIRED; ESA MOVES TOWARD CREW MISSIONS

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

FRI, APR 17, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

SpaceX has test-fired Starship's third iteration while the European Space Agency takes initial steps toward human spaceflight. Blue Origin prepares to launch New Glenn's third flight with a reused booster.

SpaceX completed a test fire of Starship V3, continuing development of its fully reusable super-heavy launch system. The test marks progress in the company's iterative design approach for both cargo and crewed missions to orbit and beyond. Meanwhile, the ESA is advancing toward crewed launch capabilities with early-stage planning and partnerships. The agency is evaluating requirements and infrastructure needed to support human spaceflight operations. In separate news, Blue Origin will soon conduct New Glenn's third flight test, this time using a previously flown booster. The reusable booster milestone demonstrates the company's commitment to reducing launch costs through hardware reuse. These developments reflect broader industry momentum in heavy-lift launch capacity and reusability. Competition among providers continues to drive technical advancement and operational frequency across the commercial space sector.

■ SOURCES

► Ars Technica

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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STARSHIP V3 TEST-FIRED; ESA MOVES TOWARD CREW MISSIONS

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