Super Heavy Booster 19
Super Heavy Booster 19 (B-19) is a first-stage booster developed by SpaceX for the Starship launch system. It was specifically designated for use during Starship Flight Test 12, serving as the lower stage paired with the Starship V3 upper stage. As a distinct iteration within the Super Heavy booster family, B-19 represents a specific configuration point in SpaceX’s ongoing development and testing program for the integrated Starship vehicle.
The primary role of B-19 was to provide the initial thrust required to lift the Starship stack out of the atmosphere. By utilizing a cluster of Raptor engines, the booster generates the necessary power to overcome Earth’s gravity and propel the vehicle to the altitude where the upper stage can take over. This configuration is part of SpaceX’s iterative approach to refining the reliability and performance of its fully reusable heavy-lift launch system.