SpaceX Delays Starship Flight 8 Launch: What You Need to Know About the Rocket Issues (Watch the Video)

SpaceX’s next Starship launch is on hold for now.

The company planned to send its eighth test flight into the sky from its Starbase in South Texas on March 3. However, the attempt was stopped just 40 seconds before liftoff due to problems with both the Super Heavy booster and the Ship upper stage.

During the webcast, SpaceX did not detail the specific issues that caused the delay. A new launch date has not been confirmed yet. However, the team is already discussing the next steps.

SpaceX shared on social media, “Standing down from today’s flight test attempt. Starship team is determining the next best available opportunity to fly,” according to a post by CEO Elon Musk.

SpaceX suggested that the next chance to launch could happen as soon as March 4, but it might take longer. Dan Huot from SpaceX indicated they would keep everyone updated, saying, “We are expecting at least 24 hours.”

When the Starship Flight 8 does finally launch, you’ll be able to watch it live on Space.com, thanks to SpaceX.

Starship is a key part of SpaceX’s plan to enable human exploration of the moon and Mars. The rocket made its first flight in April 2023 and has completed seven test flights so far.

In the latest mission on January 16, SpaceX experienced a mix of successes and failures. The Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch area using the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms, but the Ship upper stage faced issues and was lost shortly after liftoff. It exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, creating quite a spectacle for onlookers in nearby areas.

In Flight 7, Ship was meant to deploy dummy Starlink satellites, a mission also planned for Flight 8. If all goes smoothly this time, Super Heavy will again land back at the launch site, while Ship aims to complete a full orbit before splashdown in the Indian Ocean near Western Australia.