SpaceX has scrubbed its first attempt to launch the third-generation Starship rocket system from its Texas headquarters. The company is set for a second chance on Friday.

This launch, Starship's 12th, marks a critical test of the upgraded V3 hardware and comes at a pivotal time as SpaceX prepares for an IPO, putting pressure on the company to demonstrate progress in its next-generation rocket program.

The hydraulic pin issue that caused the scrub is reminiscent of the many challenges faced during development. The new Raptor engines offer a streamlined design with more thrust, while other changes aim to make Starship more reliable and reusable—mirroring SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

Despite these advancements, this particular flight will not achieve all goals set for proving out Starship V3. Both the booster and Starship are expected to perform soft landings in the water, and Starship won’t be flying in a true Earth orbit, leaving SpaceX with more work to do before fully realizing its ambitions.