Key facts
- SpaceX is targeting Thursday, July 23, for a Starship launch attempt.
- A previous launch on July 17 was aborted at the last second due to engine ignition problems.
- Elon Musk stated that two Raptor engines on the first-stage booster will be replaced.
- SpaceX's Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its eighth test flight after losing altitude control.
- SpaceX successfully caught its Super Heavy booster for the third time during the eighth test flight.
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, July 23, for another attempt to launch its Starship rocket, the company announced. The previous launch attempt last week was aborted at the last second due to issues with engine ignition. SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk stated that two Raptor engines on the first-stage booster will be removed and replaced to ensure a successful flight. This marks the 13th test flight for the Starship vehicle. In a separate incident, during its eighth test flight, SpaceX lost control of Starship after losing altitude control, resulting in a rapid unscheduled disassembly. However, the company successfully caught its Super Heavy booster for the third time during that flight.