SpaceX conducted a static fire test of its Starship upper stage at Boca Chica, Texas, following a destructive explosion in June that eliminated specialized ground testing facilities. The company built a custom testing pad at the launch site to continue development after the incident damaged previous infrastructure. Engineers fired all six Raptor engines for approximately six seconds during the afternoon test. The previous day featured a single-engine ignition to simulate space flight conditions for the upcoming Flight 10 mission. This vehicle represents the second-to-last second-generation Starship design before the company transitions to third-generation rockets.
Flight 10 will evaluate new heat shield technology, tower catch mechanisms, and satellite deployment systems. The mission marks a significant milestone as SpaceX prepares to demonstrate ship recovery and orbital refueling capabilities essential for NASA's Artemis lunar program. Flight 11 will conclude testing of the second-generation upper stage design, which has experienced multiple failures and limited success during three 2025 flights. SpaceX aims to accelerate the testing schedule after a two-month gap since Flight 9. The company seeks to complete its second-generation inventory before advancing to improved third-generation vehicles.
Flight 10 will evaluate new heat shield technology, tower catch mechanisms, and satellite deployment systems. The mission marks a significant milestone as SpaceX prepares to demonstrate ship recovery and orbital refueling capabilities essential for NASA's Artemis lunar program. Flight 11 will conclude testing of the second-generation upper stage design, which has experienced multiple failures and limited success during three 2025 flights. SpaceX aims to accelerate the testing schedule after a two-month gap since Flight 9. The company seeks to complete its second-generation inventory before advancing to improved third-generation vehicles.
