SpaceX Set to Launch Starship Rocket in Key Test of IPO Plans

SpaceX is poised to launch its gargantuan Starship rocket on its twelfth major test flight on Thursday, part of a high-stakes mission as the Elon Musk-led company preps for the largest initial public offering in history.

The launch, targeted for 5:30 p.m. local time from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas, marks the debut flight of the third iteration of the rocket, dubbed Version 3 or V3.

The upgraded vehicle is meant to serve as a major improvement over previously launched Starship prototypes, while increasing the rocket’s power and capability.

The highly anticipated mission comes a day after ...