How does Starship V3 compare to its predecessors and rivals?

SpaceX’s newest version of Starship — the world’s largest and most powerful rocket — is now scheduled to launch its critical test flight no earlier than Thursday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT) from Starbase, Texas. The mission will mark the debut of Starship V3, a heavily upgraded version of the vehicle designed to move the program closer toward full reusability, orbital refueling, Artemis Moon missions, and eventually human missions to Mars. Powered by upgraded Raptor 3 engines and the massive Super Heavy booster, Starship V3 is expected to generate more than 18 million pounds of thrust at liftoff — surpassing NASA’s SLS and every rocket ever built. From Falcon 9-sized fuel transfer tubes to redesigned grid fins and next-generation engines, Starship V3 represents SpaceX and Elon Musk’s biggest leap yet toward building a fully reusable space transportation system.