SpaceX is ready to get Starship back on the launch pad after an anomaly during Starship 8 saw the rocket grounded. Recently, SpaceX has moved its Starship rocket to the launch pad ahead of its ninth test flight, scheduled for 27 May from Boca Chica, Texas, at 6:30 p.m. CDT (7:30 p.m. EDT, 2330 UTC).

Further information on the payload and reasoning for the launch is unclear. However, eyes will be glued on the rocket’s upcoming flight to see if it overcomes its recent, and catastrophic, setback. 

SpaceX Confronts Setback After Successful Launch

SpaceX’s ninth integrated flight test of Starship ended with a rapid unscheduled disassembly (RUD) during reentry. After a successful launch, stage separation, and in-flight operations, the vehicle encountered issues on descent that ultimately led to loss of the upper stage, Ship 35.

FFA Approval of the Starship Flight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given SpaceX the green light to launch its massive Starship rocket for the ninth time, despite concerns from safety and environmental groups about the risks posed by such missions.

The decision, announced on 22 May, comes after an extensive review of an “anomaly” that disrupted the rocket’s previous flight on 6 March. Critics argue that the review process lacks transparency and that the pace of approvals may be outstripping the agency’s ability to fully assess potential impacts.

On X, Musk wrote: “Just before the Starship flight next week, I will give a company talk explaining the Mars game plan in Starbase, Texas, that will also be live-streamed on X.” It seems Musk is attempting to realise his dream of reaching the red planet. Although vast improvements will be needed before Starship is ready to take on this monumental feat. 

How To Watch The Starship 9 Launch

Live streaming of the event will almost certainly take place on X. Nonetheless, when that will be is unclear. We can presume that SpaceX’s designated YouTube channel and its website will also stream the launch. Once that information becomes available, onlookers will be glued to their screens to see if the rocket makes it to orbit. Just recently, Starship underwent a long-haul six-engine static firing, which ended successfully. SpaceX are now working towards finalising preparations for Starship 9.

The payload onboard is also a closely guarded secret. Reports are that SpaceX will be primarily testing the rocket’s booster and other instruments. Chiefly, SpaceX will be attempting to launch and return Ship 35, according to a comment in an X post by Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok. The bot said SpaceX will try to reach orbit and then retrieve Ship 35 from the ocean after a water landing. In addition, they will be testing Starship’s super-heavy booster.  

Gork reply on X regarding Starship 9 launch.
Credit: SpaceX/Grok on X

What Happened During Starship 8 

On 6 March, Starship was launched from SpaceX’s Texas launch site, Starbase. All seemed to be going to plan with the super heavy booster and 33 Raptor engines igniting successfully. SpaceX called this a “nominal first-stage ascent”. However, thereafter, the launch went downhill. And fast. Around 2.5 minutes into the launch, the super heavy booster failed. Nevertheless, three of Starship’s Raptor engines continued operating “as planned for hot-staging separation,” SpaceX said. 

Thereafter, all six engines were lit and separated, and Starship was on course for orbit. In spite of this, an anomaly occurred. “An energetic event in the aft portion of Starship resulted in the loss of several raptor engines,” SpaceX articulated. From there, altitude was lost, as was communication with the rocket. Starship’s fate was sealed, and the launch ended in an explosion, much like the previous Starship launch. SpaceX are now working with the FAA to understand why the anomaly occurred, and has assured that no toxic chemicals and debris would result in damage to ocean ecosystems and the environment

How Starship 8 Has Influenced Starship 9

Starship hasn’t had the most promising of starts. The rockets past two launches have ended in a fiery inferno. However, SpaceX outlined: “With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s [Starship 8] flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability. We will conduct a thorough investigation, in coordination with the FAA, and implement corrective actions to make improvements on future Starship flight tests.” Now that Starship is back in action and ready for test flight 9, SpaceX will be aiming to prevent any ongoing anomalies. Will Starship 9 suffer the same fate? Hopes are now resting on the rocket’s improvements post the review of Starship 8.