SpaceX Prepares for Starship Flight 8 Following January Test Failure

The upcoming test flight, set for March 3, will focus on satellite deployment, heat shield upgrades, and booster recovery after FAA approval.

SpaceX's eighth Starship test flight is scheduled for March 3, with a launch window opening at 5:30 p.m. CST from the Starbase facility in Texas.
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted approval for the launch following an investigation into the failure of January's Flight 7, which was caused by engine shutdowns linked to fuel leaks and vibrations.
Flight 8 will include the first test of Starship's satellite deployment system and experiments with upgraded heat shield materials designed to improve reusability.
The mission will also attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster using the launch tower's mechanical arms, a key step toward SpaceX's goal of rapid rocket reusability.
Engineers have introduced hardware and operational changes, including increased propellant capacity, redesigned flaps, and a new purge system to address issues from previous flights.