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2w ago

SpaceX Prepares Ninth Starship Launch With First Reused Super Heavy Booster

The FAA cleared the flight after reviewing past mishaps, widening the hazard zone to accommodate experiments including satellite deployment, engine relight, recovery maneuvers

SpaceX's Starship lifts off from Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas during its 8th test flight on March 6, 2025.
SpaceX’s Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster are set for their ninth integrated test flight following back-to-back mishaps. Credit: SpaceX
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Overview

  • SpaceX will reuse Booster 14, which flew on Flight 7, marking the program’s first reflown Super Heavy stage.
  • The mission includes deployment of eight Starlink simulator satellites into a suborbital trajectory and an in-space relight of a Raptor engine.
  • Super Heavy will descend at a higher angle of attack with one center engine disabled for a planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico to test recovery techniques.
  • Engineers added a nitrogen purge system, improved propellant drains and reinforced engine joints following failures on Flights 7 and 8.
  • A successful test is vital for NASA’s Artemis lunar lander plans and SpaceX’s goal of developing a fully reusable vehicle for moon and Mars missions.