SpaceX is preparing for the ninth test flight of its massive Starship rocket system. On Saturday, the company shared footage showing the Starship’s upper stage being transported to the launchpad at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
Engine Tests Ahead Before Stacking Begins
In the next few days, the Starship will undergo preflight engine testing. After that, it will be placed on top of the powerful Super Heavy booster — the world’s most powerful rocket stage, capable of producing a massive 17 million pounds of thrust.
No Launch Date Yet, But Expectations Are High
While SpaceX hasn’t revealed an exact launch date, reports suggest that the test flight may take place before the end of May. Fans and experts are watching closely, as each test brings the Starship closer to real missions.
Impressive Feats: Booster Catching System Explained
In its last test in March, SpaceX successfully used giant robotic arms to “catch” the 71-meter (233 feet) tall Super Heavy booster — marking the third successful catch. This technique allows SpaceX to inspect, refurbish, and reuse the booster quickly, cutting mission costs, much like it does with the Falcon 9 rockets.
FAA Greenlights 25 Starship Launches Per Year
SpaceX received exciting news last week as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved a major increase in annual Starship launches from five to 25. This could mean SpaceX will soon launch the Starship multiple times each month — a big step in finalizing the vehicle’s design.
Future Missions: Starship Key to NASA’s Moon Landing
Starship’s progress is crucial not just for SpaceX, but for NASA too. The U.S. space agency plans to use a special version of Starship to land astronauts on the Moon during the Artemis III mission, possibly in 2027. This will be NASA’s first crewed lunar landing since 1972.
Eyeing Mars: Starship’s Long-Term Goal
Looking further ahead, SpaceX aims to use Starship for crewed missions to Mars — potentially in the 2030s. But before that dream becomes reality, the upcoming test flights will be key to proving the system’s safety and reliability.
