SpaceX revealed Starship Flight 10 Delayed as S37 Static Fires THIRD! No Launch Until

It is unfortunate news for space enthusiasts everywhere—the launch window for Starship Flight 10 has been delayed once again. This setback has raised questions: Why has this delay happened? And more importantly, will it affect the chances of a launch later this month?

In this post, we will dive deep into the latest updates surrounding Starship Flight 10, explore the reasons behind the delay, and cover exciting news about Dragon Crew 10’s successful return and Tory Bruno’s plans for ULA’s Vulcan rocket.

Starship Flight 10 Delay: What’s Happening?

As we approach the final stretch of the first half of August, the Starship Flight 10 timeline has once again shifted. In previous updates, Elon Musk expressed confidence in a mid-August flight, aligning with the initial launch window of August 16th listed in the Navigation Center’s Local Notice to Mariners (LNM). However, this date was later moved to August 22nd.

Latest Update: Launch Window Pushed to August 28th

The most recent news indicates that the launch window has been pushed back yet again, this time from August 22nd to August 28th. This change means the earlier LNM notice is likely no longer valid. Alongside this, a new navigation hazard update has been released, listing August 22nd and 23rd as primary dates, with backup windows stretching from August 24th to 28th.

This update clearly signals that the flight window has shifted to late August, which is later than many had anticipated. This shift understandably raises concerns about the likelihood of a Starship flight this month. Any further delays could push the mission into September, resulting in yet another month without a Starship launch.

Why the Delay? Understanding the S37 Static Fire Tests

The most likely reason behind this delay involves further testing of Ship 37 (S37). After completing two seemingly successful static fire campaigns—one for a single engine and another for a full complement of engines—SpaceX detected an issue requiring the replacement of one of the Raptor vacuum engines.

The Complexity of an Engine Swap

Replacing a Raptor vacuum engine is no small task. It demands significant preparation, including reassembling test infrastructure and rolling the ship back into position. Recent activity supports this explanation:

The test stand has been reinstalled.
The booster quick disconnect to ship quick disconnect pipe has been purged, likely to remove debris or residual propellant.
Scaffolding around the affected area has been removed, suggesting the engine replacement and associated work are now complete.

With these steps in place, SpaceX appears ready to roll S37 out for another test, which would mark the third static fire for the ship—more than usual.

What Can We Expect from the Next Test?

It’s likely that SpaceX will opt for a full engine firing this time to build confidence in the vehicle. However, there is also a chance they might conduct another single-engine test, possibly with a different sea-level Raptor engine, to fine-tune performance and maintain flexibility for the mission.

Assuming this test occurs in the first half of August, possibly after the 15th, S37 would then return to Meabay 2 for final checks and integration. This process typically takes about a week, making the original August 16th launch date unrealistic. Even in an ideal scenario, the timeline would push the earliest launch to well after the 20th, which explains the updated LNM notice reflecting a later window.

The Bigger Picture: What Does This Delay Mean?

While the new timeline is later than projections made in July, it’s important to maintain perspective. If we look back at the S36 incident, a late August launch for S37 is actually a remarkably fast turnaround.

Progress on Booster 16 (B16)

Meanwhile, Booster 16 (B16) is making steady progress. Nearly all of its installations have been completed, except for the flight termination system, whose status remains uncertain. Once S37’s test campaign wraps up and the test stand is removed, B16 can roll out without delay.

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Beyond Flight 10: Accelerating Starship Program Developments

Preparations for systems beyond Flight 10 are accelerating, signaling a wider push in SpaceX’s Starship program. One of the most notable developments is the new Booster Quick Disconnect (BQD) designed for the upcoming Starship version V3.

New BQD Installed on Cryogenic Test Stand

This new component has been installed on the cryogenic test stand at the Massie test site. The scale of the system is impressive, suggesting it’s engineered to deliver more propellant to the Super Heavy V3 while also improving reliability and long-term durability.

This is not a minor upgrade—it’s a significant step forward supporting future high-performance boosters.

Progress on Booster V3 and Test Sites

The timing of this installation follows a steady sequence:

V1 boosters B16 and B17 have passed their cryogenic testing.
The next candidate for such trials is B18, the first V3 model, currently assembling in the Meabay, with its fuel transfer tube installed.

Based on current progress, B18 could roll out for testing before the end of the month.

Static Fire Testing at Launch Pads

Boosters are expected to undergo static fire tests at the launch pad, with Pad 2 nearing operational readiness. Test throughput will soon match what is achievable at Massie. For ships, cryogenic and static fire tests will be handled at Massie once the site is fully operational again.

Starship Development at Starbase: Gigabay and ASU Updates

At Starbase, significant groundwork is underway:

The large drill previously positioned at the planned Gigabay site has been moved to the future Air Separation Unit (ASU) location.
This suggests drilling work for Gigabay is complete, paving the way for actual construction.
Groundwork for the ASU, SpaceX’s in-house fuel production facility, is also underway.

Why Is the ASU Important?

The ASU promises to usher in rapid propellant self-sufficiency for Starship, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enabling a faster launch cadence.

Dragon Crew 10: Successful Return to Earth

Switching gears, the Dragon Crew 10 mission has recently concluded successfully.

Undocking from the ISS and Return Sequence

After a short weather-related delay, Dragon Crew 10 undocked from the ISS at 6:15 p.m. Eastern on August 8th. The spacecraft completed:

A de-orbit burn to slow its orbital velocity.
Separation of its trunk from the crew capsule.
A guided parachute-assisted descent, targeting splashdown off the California coast at 11:33 a.m. Eastern on August 9th.

By now, Dragon Crew 10 has safely returned to Earth.

Crew 10 Mission Recap

Launched March 14th atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Arrived at the ISS two days later.
Crew consisted of NASA astronauts Anne McClain (commander) and Nicole Aunapu Mann (pilot), JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko.
Their replacements in Crew 11 arrived at the ISS on August 2nd.

The mission underscores SpaceX’s reliability, with every Dragon crew mission to date launching and landing successfully.

ULA CEO Tory Bruno Shares Ambitious Vulcan Rocket Plans

In other industry news, United Launch Alliance (ULA) CEO Tory Bruno has revealed ambitious goals for the Vulcan rocket program.

Vulcan Launch Cadence and Future Plans

Although Vulcan has only launched twice in 2024, its third mission, USSF 106, is set for August 12th, marking the first flight after certification.

Bruno shared that ULA is prepared for a significant ramp-up in launch cadence, with a stockpile of both Atlas and Vulcan rockets ready to fly. His key points:

There are 13 Atlases left, with all but two finished and stored.
Six Vulcans have been fabricated and are in storage.
ULA aims to reach a pace of two launches per month by the end of 2025.
The company is expanding launch infrastructure, including the acquisition of SLC-3 in California, expected to be certified by year-end.

Challenges and Industry Perspectives

While the goals are bold, some in the industry view ULA’s plans as ambitious, perhaps overly so. Vulcan faces challenges including past delays, a growing backlog of high-priority missions, and the imminent retirement of Atlas 5.

The space community is watching closely to see whether Vulcan can deliver on its leadership’s confidence with sustained operational performance.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead in Space Exploration

While Starship Flight 10’s delay is disappointing, it is a reminder of the complexity and cutting-edge nature of space exploration. The progress with S37 and preparations for Flight 10 still keep an August launch plausible, albeit late in the month.

At the same time, Dragon Crew 10’s successful mission reinforces SpaceX’s growing role in human spaceflight, while ULA’s Vulcan program looks to ramp up and meet growing demands.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow these exciting developments in the space industry!

FAQs

1. Why has the Starship Flight 10 launch been delayed?
The delay is primarily due to further testing of Ship 37 (S37), including replacing one of the Raptor vacuum engines and conducting additional static fire tests.

2. When is the new launch window for Starship Flight 10?
The latest update pushed the launch window to late August, specifically around August 28th, with backup dates extending to August 24-28.

3. What is a static fire test?
A static fire test involves firing the rocket’s engines while the vehicle remains secured to the ground to verify engine performance and readiness before launch.

4. How many static fire tests has S37 completed so far?
S37 has completed two static fire tests, one with a single engine and another with a full complement of engines, and is preparing for a third test.

5. What is the significance of the new Booster Quick Disconnect (BQD) for Starship V3?
The new BQD supports higher propellant delivery and improved reliability for the Super Heavy V3 booster, marking a major upgrade for future launches.

6. What progress has been made on Booster 16 (B16)?
B16 has nearly completed all installations except the flight termination system, and it will roll out once S37 finishes its testing.

7. What is the status of the Massie test site?
The Massie test site has been revitalized and is preparing to handle more efficient cryogenic and static fire tests for future boosters and ships.

8. What is the Air Separation Unit (ASU) and why is it important?
The ASU is SpaceX’s in-house fuel production facility, designed to enable rapid propellant self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external suppliers.

9. When did Dragon Crew 10 undock from the ISS?
Dragon Crew 10 undocked on August 8th, 2025, after a brief weather-related delay.

10. How long was the Dragon Crew 10 mission?
The mission lasted nearly five months, launching on March 14th and returning in early August.

11. Who were the crew members of Dragon Crew 10?
The crew included NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nicole Aunapu Mann, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko.

12. How reliable is SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft?
To date, every Dragon crew mission has launched and landed successfully, demonstrating high reliability.

13. What are Tory Bruno’s plans for ULA’s Vulcan rocket?
Bruno aims to ramp up Vulcan launches to about two per month by the end of the year, with a stockpile of rockets ready for flight.

14. How many Vulcan rockets are currently built and stored?
Almost half a dozen Vulcan rockets have been fabricated and are in storage awaiting launch.

15. What infrastructure is ULA expanding to support Vulcan launches?
ULA acquired SLC-3 in California, with upgrades about 76% complete and certification expected by year-end.

16. What challenges does Vulcan face?
Vulcan faces delays, a growing backlog of missions, and pressure to replace the retiring Atlas 5 rocket.

17. What is the significance of the upcoming USSF 106 Vulcan mission?
It is Vulcan’s first flight after certification, marking a critical milestone for the rocket program.

18. What happens after S37’s testing wraps up?
S37 will return to Meabay 2 for final integration checks, while Booster 16 will roll out for its launch preparations.

19. Can Starship Flight 10 still launch in August?
Yes, an August launch remains possible but will likely happen in the latter part of the month, depending on the success of upcoming tests.

20. How does SpaceX’s Starship program plan to increase launch cadence?
By improving testing infrastructure, developing new components like the V3 BQD, and building fuel production capabilities with the ASU, SpaceX aims to accelerate launch frequency.