Overview
- SpaceX postponed the eighth test flight of its Starship rocket on Monday, citing low ground spin start pressure and other technical uncertainties.
- The next launch attempt is now scheduled for Thursday evening from the Starbase facility in Texas, pending inspections and adjustments to both rocket stages.
- This test follows a January flight where the Starship upper stage exploded mid-air due to propellant leaks, prompting design upgrades to improve reliability.
- Key objectives for the test include deploying mock Starlink satellites, testing booster recovery via launch tower arms, and conducting an upper-stage splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
- SpaceX is also expanding its Starship program to Florida, investing $1.8 billion in new facilities and launchpads, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2025.