Prepare for the imminent ignition of SpaceX's Starship engine, set to occur before the 10th test flight
In a series of events, SpaceX's Starship is gearing up for its next big move. The upcoming six-engine static fire test, scheduled for Friday, follows a significant setback in June 2025 when a spectacular explosion occurred during a pre-test phase at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
The explosion was caused by a failure in a nitrogen composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) located in the nosecone of the vehicle. This pressurized tank containing gaseous nitrogen failed under its proof pressure, triggering a catastrophic chain reaction that destroyed the vehicle and damaged the test site. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Since then, SpaceX has shifted to alternate test plans, including performing static fires from the orbital launch mount at Starbase, using modified testing setups. The company has also successfully completed a single-engine static fire test of its Starship spacecraft.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has announced that the vehicle will head skyward from Starbase in August. Musk's presentation, which will focus on areas such as engineering, production, and SpaceX's future launch plans, will update everyone about the progress of the Starship project.
The nine flights of the Starship have produced mixed results for the team developing the 120-meter-tall rocket. Each flight, however, gives engineers a lot to work with, allowing them to refine the design and performance of the rocket.
NASA is planning to use a modified version of the Starship spacecraft for the Artemis III mission, which aims to land two astronauts on the moon, currently targeted for 2027. The Starship might also be used for the first crewed mission to Mars, which NASA could launch in the 2030s.
SpaceX has not yet announced a specific date for the 10th test flight of the Starship. However, the progress made with the Starship's upcoming test flights greatly influences the mission's success.
In the meantime, SpaceX has shared several images and a video of the test, providing a glimpse into the ongoing development of this revolutionary spacecraft. As we eagerly await the next steps, let's remember the resilience and determination that has characterised SpaceX's journey so far.
[1] SpaceX. (2025). Starship SN20 Test Results. Retrieved from https://www.spacex.com/starship-sn20-test-results
[3] Teslarati. (2025). SpaceX's Starship SN20 Explodes During Raptor Engine Static Fire Test. Retrieved from https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-starship-sn20-explodes-raptor-engine-static-fire-test/
- The upcoming static fire test for SpaceX's Starship, set for Friday, illustrates the company's resilience in the face of setbacks, such as the explosion caused by a failure in a nitrogen composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) in June 2025.
- With the successful completion of a single-engine static fire test and the shifted test plans, the upcoming six-engine test is a vital step in the application of space-and-astronomy, technology, and engineering, as SpaceX prepares for the Starship's space travel, including missions to the moon and Mars.
