SpaceX pushed back the earliest launch date for Starship Flight 9 to May 20, according to a new Coast Guard notice. The launch window will stay open until May 29. This flight matters a lot because problems with the second-generation upper-stage rocket have slowed testing progress. The upper stage first flew on Flights 7 and 8 earlier this year, but exploded shortly after separating from the Super Heavy booster both times.
SpaceX recently tested the ship again after taking a break following the March flight failure. The company ran a test firing with a single Raptor vacuum engine for an in-space burn and another test with several engines, though SpaceX hasn't shared details about the results of that second test. The upper stage ship currently sits at production facilities in Texas and might move to the ground testing site soon for another engine firing.
The Super Heavy booster planned for Flight 9 previously flew on Starship Flight 7, marking the first reuse of a rocket in the Starship program. SpaceX hopes to reuse the upper-stage ship eventually, but those plans have been paused because of problems during the last two flights. A successful Flight 9 mission remains crucial for NASA's lunar landing plans and future Starlink satellite launches.
SpaceX recently tested the ship again after taking a break following the March flight failure. The company ran a test firing with a single Raptor vacuum engine for an in-space burn and another test with several engines, though SpaceX hasn't shared details about the results of that second test. The upper stage ship currently sits at production facilities in Texas and might move to the ground testing site soon for another engine firing.
The Super Heavy booster planned for Flight 9 previously flew on Starship Flight 7, marking the first reuse of a rocket in the Starship program. SpaceX hopes to reuse the upper-stage ship eventually, but those plans have been paused because of problems during the last two flights. A successful Flight 9 mission remains crucial for NASA's lunar landing plans and future Starlink satellite launches.
