SpaceX tests Starship fixes After Consecutive Launch Failures
SpaceX has entered the final phase of preparations for its ninth Starship test flight. Following back-to-back failures, the company is determined to demonstrate that recent improvements will make a difference. On Monday, SpaceX test-fired six Raptor engines for 60 seconds at its South Texas facility, marking a key milestone. Though the official launch date hasn’t been confirmed, maritime advisories point to a possible May 21 launch. If it proceeds as planned, Starship will reenter and splash down in the Indian Ocean after completing a suborbital flight path halfway around the globe.
This next mission carries high expectations. The Super Heavy booster, reused from January’s test flight, will again attempt a controlled landing and mid-air catch using robotic arms. Reusability remains a cornerstone of SpaceX’s long-term strategy. Elon Musk’s vision includes not just Earth-based reuse, but eventual missions to Mars. Consequently, Flight 9 is expected to test critical systems including Starship’s upgraded heat shield and a mock satellite deployment.
Resolving Recurring Failures
Despite ambitious goals, recent flights ended abruptly—both failing roughly eight minutes after launch. Investigators traced the January failure to propellant leaks that triggered fires, cutting off engines prematurely. Although SpaceX made multiple design changes before March’s attempt—including rerouted fuel lines and engine throttle adjustments the same issue reappeared.
Now, it seems the “Block 2” Starship design, with its updated flaps, electronics, and longer body, may contain a deeper structural flaw. Vibrations in resonance with the rocket’s natural frequency appear to cause catastrophic instability. Although the Federal Aviation Administration is still reviewing Flight 8’s final report, SpaceX has yet to publicly confirm the full scope of its fixes.
However, the company hasn’t been idle. After aborting a previous six-engine test on May 1 due to unexpected debris, engineers returned the ship dubbed Ship 35 for engine repairs. It has now passed a successful full-duration static fire and is back at Starbase for final launch readiness.
Looking Ahead
Flight 9 could redefine the future of Starship if it succeeds. More than just a fix-it mission, the launch will demonstrate essential capabilities for in-space refueling and heat resistance. Both are necessary for NASA’s $4 billion lunar contract with SpaceX and any realistic Mars ambitions.
In the short term, however, Flight 9 must prove SpaceX has corrected its recurring issues. With Starlink payload mockups and a reinforced heat shield aboard, the company hopes this flight will finally mark a turning point. Should this test succeed, it could restore confidence in the Starship program and accelerate plans for commercial and interplanetary missions.
