Overview

• The FAA closed its Flight 9 mishap investigation and granted clearance for Starship Flight 10, targeting an August 24 launch from Starbase, Texas.
• Investigators identified a methane-tank diffuser failure as the probable root cause of Flight 9’s loss and SpaceX has redesigned and qualification-tested the updated component.
• SpaceX traced a June ground-test explosion to damage in a composite overwrapped pressure vessel and has enhanced inspection and handling procedures for COPVs.
• SpaceX revealed a next-generation Super Heavy grid-fin design with three fins that are 50% larger, mounted lower with internalized actuation and a new catch point for tower recovery.
• Flight 10 will use a lower-risk profile without a high-angle-of-attack reentry and will recover the booster by water splashdown while the new grid-fin system awaits its first in-flight validation.