Starship Flight 9 Test: Will SpaceX be successful now? Here’s launch date, time, site, Starship size, flight duration and how to watch live

SpaceX will attempt its ninth Starship rocket flight on May 27. The flight is named Starship Flight 9. This mission follows two earlier launches that ended in failure. SpaceX hopes to test the reuse of its massive Super Heavy booster.

New Test Launch Date, Time and Site

The launch is scheduled for no earlier than Tuesday, May 27. The time is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT (2330 GMT). The flight will take place at the Starbase site in South Texas. This will be the ninth flight for Starship. It will be the first to reuse a Super Heavy booster.

Previous Failures in 2024

Starship flights earlier in January and March failed. In both cases, the booster returned to Earth successfully. However, the upper stage of the rocket failed shortly after launch. These were Flights 7 and 8.

Possible Backup Dates and Launch Window

The official time for the launch is 7:30 p.m. EDT. SpaceX has not confirmed a specific launch window. In previous launches, it used 30-minute windows. That would allow a launch between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. EDT. Local authorities have closed roads through May 29. Backup days may be May 28 or 29.

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Focus on Reuse of Booster

This launch will test the reuse of the Super Heavy booster. The same booster launched Flight 7 in January. Four of its 33 engines were replaced for this new test. This will be the first time SpaceX tries to fly a used booster.

Starship’s Size and Purpose

When fully assembled, Starship stands 400 feet tall. It is the largest rocket built. It is designed for full reuse. SpaceX aims to use it for missions to Earth orbit, the moon and Mars. NASA has selected Starship to carry Artemis astronauts to the moon in 2027.

How to Watch Live?

SpaceX will show the launch on its official webcast. It will begin 30 minutes before liftoff. The livestream will be available on SpaceX's website and its X account. NASASpaceflight.com will also broadcast the event on YouTube.

Viewing Options in South Texas

People in South Texas can view the launch in person. Good locations include Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island. Port Isabel is another option. Visitors should prepare for traffic delays.

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Flight Duration

The mission is expected to last just over one hour. It will attempt to follow the same path as Flight 8. The upper stage will release eight Starlink simulators. These will burn up on reentry. SpaceX will also attempt to restart one Raptor engine in space.

Booster Recovery Plan Changed

Unlike previous missions, the booster will not return to Starbase. It will try to land softly in the Gulf of Mexico. It will then be discarded. This is because it is the first reused booster.

FAQs

Can the public watch the Starship Flight 9 launch live?
Yes, SpaceX will stream the launch live on its website, X account, and X TV. NASASpaceflight.com will also show the event with prelaunch coverage.

What is the purpose of the Starlink simulators on this mission?
The Starlink simulators are meant to test satellite deployment. They will follow a suborbital path and burn up in Earth's atmosphere after reentry.