SpaceX Starship launch LIVE: V3 'megarocket' to take first flight in huge moment for Musk

Elon Musk also said SpaceX's mission is a specific test he uses to define a genuinely self-sustaining civilization beyond Earth.

CBS News said this launch "is also a critical mission for NASA, which is counting on SpaceX to develop and deliver a flight-tested, human-rated version of the Starship upper stage to carry Artemis astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon's surface and back before the end of 2028".

Meanwhile, with an update on X, SpaceX said "Falcon 9 launches 29 Starlink satellites from Florida".

Elon Musk's company is hoping Starship will help send astronauts to the Moon and reach Mars one day.

The V3 Starship has new Raptor 3 engines as well as a new launch pad.

Here are more photos of the rocket from Space X.

USA Today explained that "SpaceX is developing the rocket to be a fully reusable transportation system, meaning both the rocket and vehicle can return to the ground for additional missions".

Space X initially said the launch was going to take place on May 19. When it was delayed, no reason was given.

The rocket's launch has so far been delayed twice.

This launch will be critical, especially if Musk's project of sending humans to Mars is considered.

Writing on X earlier this week, Elon Musk said: "The Starship production pipeline is full and will complete roughly 10 more ships and about half that number of boosters this year, so, if something goes wrong, it will not be a major setback, unless the launch stand is destroyed."

The rocket is 408-foot-tall (124 meters) and is bigger and more powerful than previous Starship versions.

Here is a small video showing the rocket in Texas ahead of the launch.

The Starship and Super Heavy booster, which weighs around 5,000 metric tons, measures over 124 metres.

The launch will take place in Texas.

The new launch window will open later today at 5.30pm UK time. Here is an update from Space X.

The Starship V3 rocket is finally set to launch after two delays.