Adapter Down, Full Starship Up! SpaceX Races Toward Starship Flight 10 Next Week

It’s been an electrifying week in the world of spaceflight. SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab have all made major moves, setting the stage for an intense second half of 2025. At the forefront is SpaceX, which has dismantled its temporary test infrastructure following successful back-to-back static fires of Ship 37 (S37). Meanwhile, Blue Origin completed another flawless crewed mission with New Shepard, and Rocket Lab prepared to return to action with its next Electron launch.

Let’s unpack all the updates as we enter a pivotal moment for next-gen space systems.

SpaceX: From Static Fire to Flight in Record Time

The S37 Static Fires: A Technological Triumph

SpaceX has once again showcased its commitment to rapid iteration and innovation. The twin static fires of Starship S37 were not only successful but exceeded expectations, highlighting SpaceX’s readiness to return to full operational capacity at Starbase.

First test: Demonstrated coordinated engine thrust
Second test: Validated durability during full-duration burn

Both tests took place on the orbital launch mount (OLM), signaling a revival of testing capabilities at the site after months of repair.

Unprecedented Transparency

What set these tests apart was the volume and quality of footage released by SpaceX. For the first time, we saw:

Views from beneath the test stand
Real-time ignition sequences
Flame trench exhaust oscillations

Such access is rare in aerospace and underscores SpaceX’s dedication to transparency and public engagement.

Dismantling the Adapter: A Bold Move Toward Launch Readiness

Shortly after the second static fire, S37 was lifted from the pad and moved back to Meabay 2, while technicians began dismantling the temporary test stand and quick disconnect umbilicals.

By August 3rd, 2025, this entire system was:

Removed with surprising speed
Clearing Pad 1 for full stacking
Paving the way for Flight 10

Why Dismantle So Quickly?

The temporary test setup was always a stop-gap measure, designed to allow progress while the Massie Test Site recovered from the S36 anomaly.

Now, with repairs progressing at Massie and the orbital launch mount upgraded, SpaceX is moving to:

Directly stack Super Heavy boosters
Restore standard launch flow
Eliminate reliance on temporary systems

What’s Next for S37 and Flight 10?

With the adapter down, focus shifts to the next major milestone: Flight 10.

S37 is currently:

In Meabay 2 on its workstand
Stripped of its test interfaces
Receiving mission-critical hardware, including:
- Flight Termination System (FTS)
- Payload integration mechanisms for Starlink satellites

The Timeline: Launch by August 16?

According to internal targets and Elon Musk himself, Flight 10 could lift off around August 16th. This timeline would:

Continue SpaceX’s pattern of rapid reuse
Showcase the company’s ability to recover from S36
Highlight modular hardware flexibility

But will it happen?

Let’s explore the variables.

Booster B16 and Pad Readiness

Booster Status: Final Installations Underway

B16, the Super Heavy booster for Flight 10, has:

Passed its engine tests
Begun final hardware installations

However, it can’t move to Pad 1 until:

The temporary test system is fully removed
Orbital mount is cleared and revalidated

If all goes to plan, stacking could begin within a week.

Regulatory Hurdles

On the administrative side, the FAA’s mishap investigation from Flight 9 is still active. Concerns include:

COPV debris recovery along the Mexican coast
Structural assessments of the Starship architecture

Though SpaceX can proceed with launches during an open investigation, it still needs:

An amended FAA launch license
Final approval of corrective measures

Industry insiders believe FAA clearance will come in time — but any delay here could push the Flight 10 date.

What Happens to the Temporary Test Stand?

Stored for Future Use?

Rather than destroying the temporary infrastructure, SpaceX disassembled it with precision, using:

Grinders and torch cutters
Careful separation techniques

This suggests that SpaceX intends to reuse the stand if necessary. Two possibilities emerge:

Massie repairs finish on time → no need for the adapter again
Delays at Massie → reinstallation of the temporary system for S38

Cryogenic Testing Already Underway

Reports confirm that S38 cryo testing is already happening with temporary pipe reroutes, and:

Freshly welded fuel lines
New valves installed

If this holds, the Massie site could return to full fire capability by early September — perfect timing for S38 prep.

S37: Preparing for the Big Day

Inside Meabay 2, teams are now preparing S37 for launch by:

Installing the FTS
Integrating the Starlink payload
Running final system checks

Once complete, S37 will:

Return to Pad 1
Stack atop B16
Await launch window confirmation

SpaceX’s ability to move from static fire to launch within two weeks showcases the power of:

Rapid prototyping
Modular infrastructure
Streamlined operations

Blue Origin’s NS-34: Quiet Success in West Texas

While SpaceX makes headlines with its orbital ambitions, Blue Origin quietly completed its 34th New Shepard flight.

Launch Highlights

Lifted off at 8:43 a.m. ET on August 3rd
11th crewed New Shepard mission
100 km suborbital hop
Soft parachute-assisted landing

This mission included Justin Sun, founder of the Tron blockchain, who had originally won a seat on the first crewed flight in 2021.

Broader Impacts

Proceeds from Sun’s $28 million bid were distributed to 19 space-focused charities, funding:

STEM education
Youth space programs
Global outreach

Blue Origin may still be quiet on New Glenn, its orbital vehicle, but steady suborbital launches demonstrate technical reliability and a growing space tourism business.

Rocket Lab: Electron Returns with F69 Mission

After a quiet July, Rocket Lab has returned to launch mode with its 69th Electron mission, named “The Harvest Goddess Thrives.”

Wet Dress Rehearsal Completed

On August 3rd, Rocket Lab confirmed that:

Wet dress rehearsal was completed
Launch scheduled for August 5th at 3:45 UTC
Payload: QPS SAR satellite to low Earth orbit

This is the 4th QPS launch under an 8-flight deal, and the 5th Electron launch of 2025.

Maintaining Launch Cadence

Following a fast-paced spring, July marked a noticeable pause. But with F69 ready to go, Rocket Lab seems poised to:

Hit or exceed its 2024 launch record of 14
Dominate the small satellite market
Deliver high-frequency launches for commercial and government clients

Conclusion: The Race Is Heating Up

From SpaceX’s dismantling of test infrastructure and launch prep for Flight 10, to Blue Origin’s flawless suborbital tourism, and Rocket Lab’s push back into the skies, it’s clear:

The second half of 2025 will be one of the busiest and most exciting periods in space launch history.

Key Takeaways:

SpaceX’s Flight 10 could launch as soon as August 16th, pending FAA approval
S37 is ready for stacking and payload integration
Massie repairs are advancing quickly and may be complete by early September
Blue Origin continues to establish its suborbital tourism dominance
Rocket Lab is back to full readiness and aiming to break launch records

FAQs

What is the significance of SpaceX dismantling its temporary test system after the S37 static fires?
SpaceX dismantled the temporary test system to prepare Pad 1 for stacking the Super Heavy booster directly on the orbital launch mount, signaling a return to full launch operations.

What were the results of the back-to-back static fires of Starship S37?
The static fires exceeded expectations, demonstrating coordinated engine thrust and durability during full-duration burns, marking a key milestone for Starship’s return to flight.

When is SpaceX planning to launch Starship Flight 10?
Elon Musk and internal timelines suggest Flight 10 could launch around August 16th, 2025, pending final checks and regulatory approvals.

What upgrades have been made to SpaceX’s orbital launch mount?
Engineers reinforced the structure and adapted propellant lines to enable static fires in Starship’s orbital configuration for the first time.

What is the current status of the Super Heavy booster B16?
Booster B16 has completed engine tests and is undergoing final installations before being moved to Pad 1 for stacking with S37.

Why was the temporary test stand installed in the first place?
It was a stop-gap solution following damage from the S36 anomaly at the Massie Test Site, allowing SpaceX to continue static fire testing while repairs were underway.

Will the temporary test stand be reused for future tests?
The stand was carefully dismantled, suggesting SpaceX intends to store and possibly reuse it if Massie repairs face delays.

What does the FAA investigation mean for SpaceX’s launch schedule?
The FAA’s ongoing review could delay launch approvals, but SpaceX can proceed with flights if it obtains amended licenses and meets special conditions.

What hardware is being installed on S37 ahead of Flight 10?
Technicians are installing the flight termination system for range safety and payload integration systems for Starlink satellites.

How does the recent testing progress align with SpaceX’s launch cadence goals?
The rapid progression from static fires to launch prep supports SpaceX’s goal of quick reuse and frequent Starship flights, potentially monthly or bi-weekly.

What happened during Blue Origin’s recent New Shepard NS-34 flight?
NS-34 completed a flawless suborbital mission with all astronauts returning safely after experiencing weightlessness and panoramic views of Earth.

Who was a notable passenger on Blue Origin’s NS-34 mission?
Justin Sun, founder of the Tron blockchain platform, flew on NS-34, having originally won a seat through a $28 million auction in 2021.

What are Blue Origin’s current focuses in spaceflight?
Blue Origin is concentrating on suborbital tourism with New Shepard while quietly progressing toward the orbital New Glenn rocket.

What is Rocket Lab’s upcoming Electron mission F69 about?
Mission F69, “Harvest Goddess Thrives,” will launch a synthetic aperture radar satellite for QPS Incorporated to low Earth orbit.

Why did Rocket Lab have a launch hiatus in July 2025?
Rocket Lab paused launches for about a month after several missions in June but completed wet dress rehearsals in early August to resume operations.

How many launches has Rocket Lab conducted in 2025 so far?
If F69 launches as scheduled, it will be Rocket Lab’s 11th Electron mission in 2025, aiming to break its 2024 record of 14 flights.

What does the rapid pace of these launches mean for the space industry?
Frequent launches from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab accelerate satellite deployment, technology testing, and open new frontiers for space exploration and tourism.