SpaceX Conducts Static Fire Test of Starship Upper Stage Ahead of Ninth Flight
SpaceX has once again demonstrated progress with its next-generation Starship spacecraft by conducting a full-duration static fire test of the vehicle’s upper stage on May 12th at its Starbase facility in South Texas. During this important milestone, the 171-foot-tall upper stage fired all six Raptor engines for approximately 60 seconds, confirming the ship’s readiness as it undergoes final preparations. This test marks the third static fire for this particular Starship, highlighting SpaceX’s methodical approach to refining the vehicle before its highly anticipated ninth test flight. The company shared video and images from the test on social media, giving enthusiasts a closer look at the spacecraft’s development.
This static fire represents one of the last critical steps before the vehicle’s next launch, though SpaceX has yet to announce an official date. The booster designated for Flight 9 has also completed its own static fire test, fueling speculation that the launch could be imminent, possibly within weeks. Once fully assembled, the Starship system towers at 403.5 feet, making it the most powerful rocket ever built. Its design emphasizes full reusability for both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage—an essential feature for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
To date, Starship has flown eight test missions, including two in 2025. While the launches themselves proceeded smoothly, the upper stage encountered failures shortly after reaching space during both 2025 flights. Notably, the Super Heavy booster executed impressive and precise landings back at Starbase, aided by the giant launch tower’s “chopstick” arms—a first-of-its-kind rocket-catching method. However, the upper stage exploded less than ten minutes post-launch on both occasions, raising questions about its stability and resilience.
Despite these setbacks, SpaceX continues to refine Starship, pushing closer to achieving a fully reusable spacecraft capable of supporting ambitious space exploration goals. With multiple static fire tests completed and ongoing improvements, the ninth launch is expected to come soon, provided the company maintains its rapid pace of testing and development at Starbase. Enthusiasts and space watchers alike remain eager to see how Starship progresses on its path toward becoming a cornerstone for humanity’s interplanetary future.