On April 3, 2025, SpaceX conducted a static fire test of the Super Heavy booster, which is being prepared for the ninth test flight of the Starship spacecraft. This booster was used on the ship’s seventh test flight in January of this year. Then, the launch truss was able to catch the booster in mid-air, and it was quickly restored for a new launch.
Image source: SpaceX
In the long term, giant Starship rockets with Super Heavy boosters should and could blast off from Earth’s spaceports almost every day, powering Elon Musk’s visionary plans to colonize Mars. The boosters would return to the launch pad shortly after launch, where trusses would catch them for a gentle descent to Earth.
With a few exceptions, all Starship test launches have resulted in the recovery of the boosters. The company has recovered one of them for a second launch, the first time the reusable rocket platform has ever done so.
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It is reported that 29 of the 33 Raptor rocket engines have already been used in the seventh test mission. Only four engines had to be replaced. The day before, all of them together passed static fire tests. The restored booster is practically ready for a new flight, although the launch date has not yet been set.
Unlike the Super Heavy boosters, the situation with the Starship spacecraft is more complicated. Experts point to possible fundamental problems with the spacecraft. During the last two test launches, both spacecraft exploded almost immediately after separating from the boosters. SpaceX cannot afford a third failure in a row, so the next test launch may be delayed.