Starship Flight 10 scheduled but something Bad happened! NASA Nuclear Reactor Coming

SpaceX has officially confirmed the launch window for Starship Flight 10 following a successful engine test. However, not everything is smooth sailing. Unusual activity at the launch site suggests possible issues with Ship 37, casting doubt over the timeline. Meanwhile, NASA has revealed plans for a nuclear reactor on the Moon, opening a bold new chapter in lunar exploration.

Let’s dive into this week’s top developments in SpaceX and NASA’s evolving space programs.

Starship Flight 10 – A Launch Window, But Is SpaceX Ready?

After months of projections, Elon Musk’s estimate of a mid-August launch has finally been narrowed down. Thanks to a local Notice to Mariners issued by the US Coast Guard, we now know that Starship Flight 10 is scheduled between August 16 and August 22.

This window aligns with prime midday hours in Texas, which will give ideal visibility for both stage separation and booster landing, important for SpaceX’s data collection and public engagement.

But there’s a catch—Ship 37 (S37) isn’t quite ready yet.

Engine Issues and Retesting for Ship 37

While S37 had completed an earlier round of testing, internal data revealed issues with one of its vacuum engines. As a result, SpaceX initiated a full engine swap, a process that demands:

Careful verification and recalibration
Additional static fire tests
Final launch preparations

New umbilical lines have been fitted, and a suborbital test stand has been reinstalled, indicating that a second round of testing is imminent. If all goes well, we could see S37 back on Pad B as early as next week.

But until SpaceX confirms these tests are complete, the schedule remains uncertain.

B16 and B12 – Movement at the Rocket Garden

While S37 is under scrutiny, its counterpart, Booster 16 (B16), appears ready.

B16 Is Ready, But No Catch Attempt Planned

B16 was moved from the Mega Bay to the Rocket Garden after outfitting. It features:

A fully installed hot staging ring
Working grid fin actuation systems
Likely installation of its flight termination system (FTS)

However, SpaceX has confirmed that no catch attempt will be made for this flight. Instead, B16 will aim for an ocean landing, allowing engineers to focus on:

Active landing flips
High-angle descent
Two-engine landing tests

Skipping the catch attempt makes sense. It reduces risk while still testing critical landing technologies.

B12 Moved – End of an Era?

In parallel, Booster 12 (B12) has been moved back into the Mega Bay—a move that signals its likely retirement and dismantling.

B12 was historic:

It flew on Starship Flight 5
It was the first booster used in a catch attempt

Despite its legacy, it’s a V1 booster and no longer aligns with SpaceX’s future plans. Scrapping it will help recover materials and make space for newer versions like B18 and the upcoming B19 (V3 booster).

Let’s take a moment to salute B12—a true pioneer in SpaceX’s reusability efforts.

Ship 37 Static Fire – Success or Just Step One?

On August 1st, SpaceX conducted a full-duration six-engine static fire for S37. The operation proceeded with:

Vapor venting
Full fueling of liquid oxygen and methane
A 10-second burn, ending in clean shutdown

While externally successful, there’s speculation that the test fell short of internal benchmarks. Some observers expected a longer, one-minute burn, which is now standard due to upgraded infrastructure like the flame trench and water deluge systems.

So why was it so short?

Pad 1 Clamp Arm Issues Raise Concerns

In a surprising twist, 15 out of 20 booster hold-down clamps were removed from Pad 1 shortly after the static fire. These are essential for launch operations, meaning B16 can’t launch unless they’re reinstalled.

This suggests two possible scenarios:

More Testing for S37?
SpaceX might plan a second static fire test to validate performance. But they’ll have to reinstall the test stand—a time-consuming process that could delay Flight 10 by 1–2 weeks.
Clamp Maintenance?
It’s possible the clamps are simply undergoing repairs or upgrades. If that’s the case, the launch window may still hold.

We’ll soon find out which theory holds true.

Flight 10 – Experimental But Crucial

Flight 10 is shaping up to be one of the most important technical test flights in Starship’s evolution.

Key mission objectives include:

Active landing flip
High-angle atmospheric descent
Landing with two engines

These maneuvers are essential to:

Reduce fuel consumption
Increase landing reliability
Prepare for eventual full reusability

Even though B16 won’t be recovered, its data will feed directly into SpaceX’s future V3 flights, including B19, possibly launching later this year.

SpaceX Florida Operations – Starship Moves East

While activity at Starbase captures headlines, major progress is also being made in Florida at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37).

LC-39A – Building Starship’s East Coast Home

A new Starship launch tower has been constructed
The orbital launch mount is under renovation
An Environmental Assessment has been published by the FAA

This document sets a target of up to 44 Starship launches per year from LC-39A and opens the door for full-scale facility operations following public review and approval.

If approved, Kennedy Space Center could soon host Starship launches, adding to its legacy as the heart of American space innovation.

NASA’s Big Leap – A Nuclear Reactor on the Moon

While SpaceX prepares for its next flight, NASA has unveiled bold plans: building a 100kW nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030.

This project will:

Be part of NASA’s Artemis Program
Solve the problem of 14-day lunar nights
Support permanent lunar bases

Why Nuclear?

Solar power fails during the long lunar night. Nuclear offers:

Continuous power output
No reliance on solar input
Ability to power life support, comms, and science equipment

This plan also serves a strategic role in the emerging space race, especially with China and Russia’s ILRS (International Lunar Research Station) gaining momentum.

NASA’s roadmap includes:

Soliciting private proposals
Developing transportable nuclear systems
Rigorous safety protocols for lunar deployment

It’s a technological and geopolitical milestone in space leadership.

What’s Next? Flight 10 and Beyond

Back in Texas, the following developments are imminent:

Final stacking of Ship 37 and Booster 16
Pad refurbishment once clamp issues are resolved
Possible second static fire test for S37
Mission rehearsals, including full tank pressurization and countdown simulation

If all goes according to plan, Flight 10 could lift off before August ends. Flight 11, featuring Ship 38 and B18, is already lining up to follow just weeks later.

Final Thoughts – A Pivotal Moment for SpaceX and NASA

SpaceX’s Starship program is nearing a crucial inflection point. Flight 10 isn’t just another test—it’s a proving ground for the reusability, stability, and control systems that will power future missions to Mars and beyond.

At the same time, NASA’s nuclear power initiative on the Moon shows its long-term commitment to sustainable lunar exploration and staying ahead in a new global space race.

Both efforts are converging to shape the future of human spaceflight.

FAQs

1. When is Starship Flight 10 scheduled to launch?

SpaceX has set the launch window for August 16 to August 22, 2025, pending final testing and pad readiness.

2. Why is Ship 37 being retested?

Ship 37 had an issue with one of its vacuum engines, requiring an engine swap and another static fire test before it can be approved for flight.

3. Will Booster 16 be caught by the launch tower?

No. SpaceX has confirmed there will be no catch attempt for B16. It will perform an ocean landing to test flight control and descent systems.

4. What are the goals of Starship Flight 10?

The main objectives include:

Active landing flip
High-angle reentry
Two-engine landing
These are critical for future reusability.

5. Why were the launch pad clamps removed after the static fire?

15 out of 20 clamps were removed, possibly for maintenance or upgrades. It may also indicate another static fire is planned for Ship 37.

6. Is Ship 37 flight-ready now?

Not yet. After the engine swap, SpaceX is expected to run another round of testing to ensure all systems are flight-ready.

7. What happened to Booster 12 (B12)?

B12 was moved to the Mega Bay and is likely being retired or scrapped, as it’s an older model no longer aligned with SpaceX’s future plans.

8. What upgrades were made to the launch site?

The pad now includes:

A flame trench
An enhanced water deluge system
Improved infrastructure for longer-duration tests

9. What is the status of the Starship launch tower in Florida?

At LC-39A, the Starship launch tower is built, and an Environmental Assessment is underway to allow up to 44 launches per year.

10. What is NASA’s nuclear reactor project on the Moon?

NASA plans to deploy a 100kW nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to provide sustainable power during 14-day lunar nights.

11. Why is nuclear power needed on the Moon?

Unlike solar panels, nuclear systems can operate continuously, making them ideal for permanent lunar bases and scientific equipment.

12. Who is building NASA’s lunar reactor?

NASA will work with private contractors under the Artemis program, focusing on safe, portable nuclear systems.

13. Will SpaceX Starship be used for NASA’s moon missions?

Yes. A version of Starship will serve as the Human Landing System (HLS) for NASA’s Artemis III mission to the lunar surface.

14. Is Starship close to becoming fully reusable?

Not yet, but Flight 10’s testing of critical landing maneuvers is a big step toward achieving full reusability.

15. When is Flight 11 expected?

If Flight 10 proceeds smoothly, Flight 11 (with Ship 38 and B18) could follow within weeks, continuing rapid iteration and testing.