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4h ago

SpaceX Sets Starship Flight 10 for Today, Targeting Indian Ocean Splashdown

Recent failures heighten the stakes for a program that NASA plans to adapt for Artemis landings.

A SpaceX Starship spacecraft rolls out toward its launch pad past the Starbase Manufacturing Facility before its 10th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas, U.S., August 23, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Nesius
A photographer watches as the SpaceX Starship spacecraft is hoisted along the launch tower for stacking atop the heavy booster in preparation for its 10th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas, U.S., August 23, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Nesius
The SpaceX Starship spacecraft is hoisted along the launch tower for stacking atop the heavy booster in preparation for its 10th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas, U.S., August 23, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Nesius
A spectator records the SpaceX Starship spacecraft as it is hoisted along the launch tower for stacking atop the heavy booster in preparation for its 10th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas, U.S., August 23, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Nesius

Overview

  • Liftoff from Starbase, Texas is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time (2330 GMT) on Sunday for the rocket’s tenth test flight.
  • The mission focuses on upper‑stage maneuvers during a partial global trek ending in a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  • SpaceX will forgo trying to catch the Super Heavy booster with the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms on this flight.
  • According to SpaceX, the booster is expected to attempt a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, separate from the upper stage’s descent.
  • SpaceX says it has modified the vehicle since May, including a redesigned fuel diffuser, after three 2025 flights ended in upper‑stage explosions and a June static‑fire blast on the ground.