February 24, 2025: SpaceX is set to launch Starship Flight 8 from Starbase, Texas – February 28, 2025, 3:30 PM PST.
If the launch happens as scheduled, this will be the eighth test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle and the first attempt since the failure of Flight 7 on January 16.
Starship Flight 7 ended in failure when a suspected propellant leak in the cavity above the ship's engine firewall led to excessive pressure buildup and explosion over the Turks and Caicos Islands, leading to airspace closures and FAA intervention.
Goals of the flight 8 test are simple, assess modifications implemented after Flight 7, specifically enhancements to fire suppression systems and increased venting capacity.
SpaceX engineers have reportedly refined propellant leak detection mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with high-pressure fuel systems.
At this point the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated investigation is ongoing, with the FAA yet to publicly confirm the issuance of a modified launch license.
Starship Flight 8 Next Launch