SpaceX prepares for pre-IPO Starship launch

SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship V3 rocket on Thursday as a critical pre-IPO test ahead of its anticipated $1.75 trillion public debut next month. The fully reusable rocket is designed to carry humans to the Moon by 2028, positioning this launch as SpaceX's most important catalyst before the IPO. The company is competing with Blue Origin to secure NASA's lunar lander contract for the 2028 mission.