SpaceX Conducts Test Fire of Starship Rocket in Preparation for Flight 10

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In a remarkable turn of events, SpaceX has initiated testing on another Starship prototype shortly after a setback from the explosion of its earlier upper-stage model. This recent endeavor is part of the Starship Flight 10 campaign, which is slated to launch over two months following Flight 9. Elon Musk has indicated that Flight 10 is expected to take place in mid-August, where SpaceX aims to address and fulfill objectives that were not achieved in the prior test.

Exciting Developments in Starship Flight 10 Testing

The progression made during Starship Flight 9 was noteworthy, as SpaceX successfully ignited the second stage’s engines, aligning with the designated flight trajectory. However, the mission suffered critical issues, including an unplanned loss of control during reentry that hindered the test of the rocket’s heat shield and future recovery hardware needed for tower catch landings.

Despite having executed an in-space ignition previously, its significance cannot be overstated, particularly for the ongoing test campaign. This maneuver is essential for securing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orbital classification, as it proves SpaceX’s capability to manage the rocket, thereby ensuring a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere rather than an erratic descent.

Following the explosion incident post-Flight 9, SpaceX engaged in extensive testing of the upper-stage and booster for Flight 10. However, a significant hurdle occurred in June when a static fire test ended in disaster due to propellant loading complications. SpaceX had customized the test site with a water cooling system to mitigate thrust impacts during these tests.

The recent test was the first after the construction of a new testing stand and marked a significant milestone with the successful ignition of a single engine. With Musk suggesting that Flight 10 could launch in two weeks, it is anticipated that a comprehensive six-engine static fire test will be performed shortly to bolster readiness for the mission.

The rocket currently undergoing testing is one of the second-generation upper-stage models, which have faced considerable challenges, including the inability to safely splash down after previous flight tests. In recent presentations, Musk expressed optimism that the third generation of Starships will demonstrate enhanced reliability.

As Flight 10 approaches, it is imperative for SpaceX to showcase in-space propellant refueling capabilities to support NASA’s Artemis program and to successfully catch the upper-stage ship with the test stand. Achieving these milestones will be crucial for advancing the Starship program significantly before the end of 2025.

Starship single-engine static fire demonstrating an in-space burn complete on Pad 1 at Starbase pic.twitter.com/oLjKnAb6dg

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 31, 2025