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SpaceX successfully completed a single-engine static-fire test of its Starship 36 spacecraft on Monday, June 16, at its Starbase facility in Texas, marking a key step in preparations for the vehicle’s tenth flight test. The test, which simulated an in-space engine burn, was part of the verification process for a single-engine relight in orbit, a maneuver that proved challenging during the previous Flight 9.

The static-fire test involved igniting one of Starship’s six Raptor engines while the spacecraft remained anchored to a test stand at the Massey Outpost within the Starbase complex. SpaceX shared a brief video of the test on X, stating, “Single-engine static fire demonstrating an in-space burn complete as Starship prepares for our tenth flight test.” The test was designed to validate the engine’s performance for critical orbital operations, such as deorbiting or trajectory adjustments needed for future lunar and Martian missions. Watch video clip linked below!

Single-engine static fire demonstrating an in-space burn complete as Starship prepares for our tenth flight test pic.twitter.com/hqyu33K8Eg

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 17, 2025

This test follows a static fire of the Super Heavy Booster 16, which will pair with Starship 36 for Flight 10, conducted on June 6 at Starbase’s Pad A. The booster test, which lasted approximately six seconds, was deemed successful after an aborted attempt the previous day. Booster 16 was subsequently returned to the production site for final preparations, as shown in the video linked below.

Full duration static fire of all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster ahead of Starship's next flight test pic.twitter.com/03JFMVxQOT

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 6, 2025

SpaceX is working to reduce the turnaround time between Starship flights, aiming to beat the program’s shortest interval of 37 days, achieved between Flights 5 and 6 in 2024. To accomplish this, Flight 10 would need to launch by July 2, 2025, following the Flight 9 launch on May 27. However, the exact launch date remains uncertain, as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is still investigating issues from Flight 9, including the loss of the upper-stage Ship due to a propellant leak and the booster’s breakup during descent. Flight 10 cannot proceed until the FAA concludes its review.

The upcoming spacedlight will attempt to build on lessons learned from Flight 9, where SpaceX opted not to catch the booster due to safety concerns but plans to retry the catch with Booster 16 during Flight 10. Additionally, SpaceX may conduct a six-engine static fire test of Starship 36 before receiving final approval for the launch, further ensuring the vehicle’s readiness.

SpaceX’s Starship program continues to push the boundaries of reusable rocket technology, with Flight 10 poised to advance the company’s goal of developing a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The Starbase team remains focused on addressing technical challenges as they prepare for the next milestone in the program’s ambitious test campaign.

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