SpaceX conducted a static fire test of its upgraded V3 Starship first stage on Monday (March 16), representing the first firing of this next-generation variant. The test marks a significant milestone as the company prepares this bigger, more powerful megarocket for upcoming missions.

The V3 Starship represents an evolution of SpaceX's existing Starship design, featuring enhanced capabilities over previous versions. The static fire test involved igniting the first stage engines while the vehicle remained secured to the ground, a standard procedure to validate propulsion systems before flight.