SpaceX Completes 33‑Engine Static Fire on Super Heavy Booster, Clearing Path Toward Flight 13

Overview

• SpaceX conducted a full 33‑engine static fire on Booster 20 that lasted roughly 24–25 seconds on July 10, validating the booster’s integrated systems under launch‑like conditions.
• The burn set a new record duration for a Super Heavy static fire and is the first full‑duration test of the V3 booster fitted with upgraded Raptor 3 engines.
• Ship 40 remains in Mega Bay 2 for final payload work and must roll out and be stacked on Booster 20 before SpaceX can complete preflight tanking or wet dress checks.
• The launch window is tentatively targeted between July 15 and July 21, but the FAA must either close its Flight 12 mishap investigation or issue a safety exemption before Flight 13 can be authorized.
• SpaceX is reusing some repaired engines moved from Booster 19 to Booster 20 and is keeping Flight 13’s objectives conservative to repeat descent and recovery demonstrations needed for future orbital flights and NASA lunar plans.