SpaceX has shipped its Starship upper-stage ship to the ground test site for final runs that could lead to Starship Flight 9. Late April and early to mid-May have seen the firm pick up the pace with Starship tests, as it tested the upper stage ship twice before shipping it back to production facilities. The second test fired up several of the rocket’s engines, and it appears to have been less than successful, as SpaceX has not confirmed its success on its social media platform. However, with a handful of days remaining until the Starship Flight 9 launch window opens up, the firm has transported Starship to its ground test site to prepare for Starship Flight 9.
SpaceX Gears Up For Potentially Final Round Of Tests Ahead Of Starship Flight 9
SpaceX’s Starship Flight 9 can occur soon, according to multiple notices and correspondence between SpaceX and the FCC. Throughout this month so far, we’ve seen two Coast Guard notices to mariners that first hinted at a launch period starting from May 13th and then shifted it to May 20th. During this same period, SpaceX started preparations to ship the upper stage Starship to its ground test sites for what could potentially be another static fire test.
SpaceX had earlier conducted two static fires in late April. The first test was a single-engine burn, which evaluated the rocket for an in-space engine reignition. This test was successful as SpaceX quickly confirmed the test and its outcome on social media.
However, the second test might not have been completely successful. Footage from local media showed what appeared to be blue flashes at the test’s end and an engine malfunction, although SpaceX is yet to confirm either of these or the test’s outcome.
After the second test, SpaceX shipped the ship back to its production site to conduct repairs and evaluate its performance during the test fire. Now, the firm has confirmed on social media that Starship has been shipped back to the ground testing facilities. Judging from the turnaround time, it appears that if SpaceX had encountered any troubles with the previous run, these were easier to overcome.
The upper-stage Starship that SpaceX has shipped to the test site is a second-generation rocket. This vehicle features several upgrades over its predecessor, including a new propulsion system and tanks. It has flown twice during flight tests and failed to perform in both of these runs. As a result, SpaceX has taken its time to prepare the ship for Starship Flight 9, and the outcome of the tests after the rocket’s recent transport to the ground testing facilities will determine the flight’s launch date.
The earliest Starship Flight 9 can fly is on May 20th, according to the latest Coast Guard notice to mariners. Judging by local notices for road closures, tests on the ship could occur today. SpaceX’s official announcement of the rocket’s transport does not indicate the intent to fire the rocket’s engines, but previous flights have typically seen a static fire among the final few stages ahead of a launch.
Starship transported for testing ahead of Flight 9 at Starbase pic.twitter.com/HvNjq7naE2
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 11, 2025
