SpaceX confirms Starship Ship 39 successfully completed multi-day Cryoproof testing

On its way to launch the Starship V3 vehicle, SpaceX has announced the completion of a successful multi-day cryoproof testing of Ship 39.

Ship 39, the first vehicle built with the next-generation Starship V3 upgrades, remained on the test stand for several intense days at Starbase in Texas. Engineers put this stainless-steel spacecraft to extreme cryogenic testing while validating a completely redesigned propellant system and performing structural “squeeze tests” designed to replicate the crushing forces of a future tower catch.

Cryoproofing involves filling the ship tanks with cold liquid oxygen and liquid methane (or liquid nitrogen for initial proofing), then holding pressure while monitoring any possible signs of leak or deformation.

Any flaw at these temperatures would be disastrous during the flight. Ship 39 passed this multi-day campaign, confirming that the V3’s larger tanks, improved insulation, and revised plumbing can handle the thermal and pressure cycles required for orbital refueling and deep-space missions.

On the other hand, hydraulic fixtures compressed the ship’s mid-body and skirt sections to simulate the precise loads the giant “chopstick” arms of the Mechazilla tower will exert when catching a returning Starship at 150 mph.

These tests verified the vehicle’s structural strength for high-stakes tasks such as booster and ship recovery. Images shared by the company show the Ship 39 standing tall against a golden Texas sunset, its sleek black heat-shield tiles gleaming beside the towering launch mount. Another night shot reveals the ship shrouded in billowing white vapor plumes as cryogenic fluids surge through its veins.

With Ship 39 now cleared for further integrated testing, the timeline for the next orbital flight is coming closer. In a recent statement, SpaceX Founder and CEO, Elon Musk, said that Flight 12 could be launched as soon as April. However, the rocket maker will be required to complete all pre-launch tests to meet this deadline.