Overview
- The booster completed a full 33‑engine static fire on Friday, July 10, burning for about 24 seconds in a test filmed and released by SpaceX.
- SpaceX and independent outlets reported the test ran without reported issues, producing towering flames and thick smoke while collecting engine and avionics telemetry for analysis.
- Ship 40 remains in Mega Bay 2 for final work and must be rolled out and stacked on Booster 20 before SpaceX can perform tanking checks or a Wet Dress Rehearsal ahead of a launch attempt.
- Regulatory clearance from the FAA — either closure of its Flight 12 mishap inquiry or a safety exemption — is required for the current mid‑to‑late July launch windows to proceed.
- The test advances validation of Block 3 hardware and Raptor 3 engines, supports SpaceX’s goal of rapid reuse and booster recovery, and keeps Starship on the path toward the more ambitious orbital and NASA lunar objectives.