SpaceX Starship Flight 9 launch date and objectives

SpaceX has successfully completed the static fire and pre-flight tests for Starship Flight 9, which is targeting the May 27 launch date. Similar to previous tests, this flight is also crucial for Starship’s development program.

With Flight 7, SpaceX employed a next-generation upper stage with an 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 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 align 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.

During flight 8, the second stage experienced an energetic event in the aft section and exploded the Raptor engines before wrapping the ascent burn.

SpaceX conducted two separate static fires on Ship 35 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. The ship was brought to the test site for the third time before it was stacked on late Sunday, May 25.

Starship Flight 9 Objectives

This test mission aims to get the upper stage into orbit and complete tasks including Starlink simulator deployment, single Raptor engine relight, and enduring high-heat during atmospheric reentry before landing in the Indian Ocean without or lowest damage. This will carry experiments to attempt a launch site landing with future missions.

SpaceX has officially announced that it will reuse the Super Heavy booster for Flight 9, which is the first time. It was initially used during Flight 7, and 29 out of 33 Raptor engines are flight-proven. However, the company has officially announced that it won’t be attempting a booster catch, instead, it will be splashed down in the Gulf of America.

Starship Flight 9 Launch Date

SpaceX Starship Flight 9 launch window will open at 6:30 p.m. CT from Starbase, Texas, on May 27, 2025. The company could change the date and time based on weather and launch-related preparations.

(source)