Updated 12:33, 21 May 2026 SpaceX is preparing to launch the most powerful rocket ever built as Elon Musk targets missions to the Moon and Mars. The billionaire's company is poised to conduct the 12th uncrewed test flight of its next-generation Starship rocket, the first of a newly upgraded vehicle seen as critical to pushing deeper into space. Today's launch comes just two years ahead of a planned mission to use the vehicle to carry astronauts to the Moon. A live stream of the launch will be available on the Mirror website and SpaceX's website. ‌ Upgrades on rocket include greater thrust One of the principal upgrades to the booster rocket is a revamping of its 33 Raptor engines to produce greater thrust from a design that weighs significantly less. The propulsion system of the upper-stage Starship has similarly been refined for long-duration missions, with mechanisms to allow for ship-to-ship docking, refueling in space and increased maneuverability. A key measure of success for future test outings will be post-flight recovery of Starship and the Super Heavy booster, which are being developed as reusable vehicles. SpaceX said it would not attempt to safely land or retrieve either portion of the spacecraft from this launch. But test objectives include execution of several return-flight maneuvers by the booster and Starship ‌itself, including ⁠controlled landing burns before each vehicle splashes down at sea. The new design is set to mean greater thrust (Image: ZUMAPRESS.com / Zuma Press / Avalon)