FLIGHT ARCHIVE / MISSION REPORT
V3 takes flight.
The first V3 launch flew from Pad 2 with Raptor 3 engines. Payload tests succeeded; booster recovery remained incomplete.
LAUNCH / SEATTLE TIME22 MAY 202615:30 PDT
MISSION HIGHLIGHT22Suborbital test payloads deployed
HARDWARES39 / B19Ship / Super Heavy
Intent meets reality.
| OBJECTIVE | PLAN | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Debut V3 vehicles | Launched |
| Payload | Deploy test payloads | 20 simulators + 2 imaging satellites |
| Booster | Controlled ocean return | Hard splashdown |
| Ship | Entry and landing | Two-engine splashdown |
What worked
Ship compensated for an engine loss, deployed its test payloads and completed reentry maneuvers.
Lessons & anomalies
A booster ascent engine shut down and boostback ended early. Ship lost a vacuum engine; it reached its trajectory using the remaining engines.