SpaceX Starship Flight 9 launch date and objectives

SpaceX has successfully completed the static fire and pre-flight tests for Starship Flight 9 and now, we’re waiting for an official launch date to see this mega rocket flying. Similar to previous tests, this flight also crucial for the program’s development.

With Flight 7, SpaceX employed a next-generation upper stage with upgraded propulsion system and improved avionics, as well as other key technological advancements. These new upgrades boost performance in space.

During this inauguration run, the first stage successfully lifted off the rocket and marked a hot-staging. The second stage also fired its six Raptor engines to lead the mission into sub-orbit. But that didn’t go inline with the mission milestones, and a fire developed in the aft section of the ship, causing engine failure, followed by rapid unscheduled disassembly. This happened when the catch tower successfully caught the Super Heavy booster.

Similar events repeated during flight 8, when SpaceX caught the booster, but a fire in the aft section busted the second stage before it could complete the ascent burn.

These two failures are identical as well as their causes. Therefore, SpaceX conducted two separate static fires on Ship 35, which will employed for Flight 9. The first engine burn was executed earlier this month with a 30-second run and a 60-second static fire carried on May 12, 2025.

Starship Flight 9 Objectives

This test mission aims to get the upper stage in the sub-orbit and complete all of its milestones before it could land in the Indian Ocean without any damage.

SpaceX has officially announced that it will be reusing the Super Heavy booster 15 for Flight 9, which is the first time ever. It was first used during Flight 7 and 29 out of 33 Raptor engines are flight proven. It’ll also be the first attempt to launch and catch a reused booster.

Starship Flight 9 Launch Date

According to the information revealed in maritime notice, Starship Flight 9 could launch as soon as Tuesday, May 20th. However, the launch could be pushed through the month based on preparations and pre-flight tests.