SpaceX is set to launch its troubled Starship megarocket on an hour-long test flight as soon as 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday, with the company aiming to address previous missteps and failures that have raised concerns about safety.
The uncrewed Starship prototype will follow a similar flight plan to previous tests, which ended prematurely due to explosive malfunctions, control system failures, and other issues. The vehicle has experienced two explosive overflights east of Florida, debris from which landed on roads in Turks and Caicos, and spun out of control during its last test flight.
Despite the setbacks, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has expressed optimism about the company’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve success with Starship. However, experts and stakeholders are more cautious, citing concerns about the vehicle’s reliability and safety.
Regulatory bodies have also come under scrutiny for their handling of SpaceX’s mishaps, including a recent FAA investigation into the company’s explosive malfunction in May. The FAA ultimately approved SpaceX’s plans to fly Sunday’s mission, citing that there were no reports of public injury or damage to property.
The success of Starship is seen as crucial for NASA’s plans to send astronauts to the lunar surface by 2027 and for SpaceX’s ambitious goal of sending humans to Mars in the near future. With several high-stakes test flights planned, experts are watching closely to see if SpaceX can overcome its challenges and deliver on its promises.
“We made this bet” on Starship, said Janet Petro, former acting NASA administrator. “They have had a rough year, but SpaceX is a pretty intense and motivated company.” However, some experts remain skeptical, citing the risks of financial constraints and regulatory hurdles that could hinder progress.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/23/science/starship-megarocket-spacex