SpaceX unexpected DESTACK Starship Flight 9 Booster, Why Pad B Chopstick Tested

Space exploration is moving faster than ever before, and SpaceX continues to lead the charge. The latest updates from the company have brought a mixture of excitement and challenges. As we move toward the final weeks of May 2025, the space community is abuzz with updates related to Starship Flight 9, the Starship booster B14, Pad B testing at Starbase, and SpaceX’s rapidly expanding Starlink constellation.

However, a recent unexpected booster delay and critical chopstick tests at Pad B have left many wondering what’s next for SpaceX’s ambitious missions.

In this blog post, we will break down these developments, explore the current state of SpaceX’s Starship program, and look at some of the exciting progress from NASA and its Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Keep reading to learn about the latest breakthroughs in space technology and what they mean for the future of space exploration.

Unexpected Move of Starship Booster B14: What Does it Mean?

Starship Flight 9 is currently on track for a potential launch between May 22nd and 31st, 2025, according to SpaceX insiders and Elon Musk himself. This flight is expected to be a milestone event for SpaceX’s reusable rocket program, particularly as it involves booster B14—the first booster to be reused for a Starship mission.

However, recent developments have raised questions about the timeline for Flight 9. On May 15th and 18th, two unusual road closures took place near the launch site, indicating that something significant was happening at Starbase. These closures turned out to be related to a transportation operation involving booster B14. On the afternoon of May 16th, booster B14 was moved from the production site to the launch site, and chopstick pad A was raised, signaling a booster lift.

Yet, things took an unexpected turn. The booster was lifted off the orbital launch mount only to be moved back to the production site. SpaceX quickly began inspecting the booster for potential issues. This unexpected delay has led many to speculate about possible problems with the critical systems of the booster, such as the engines, fuel tanks, or grid fins.

Why Is This Delay Necessary?

While this delay might seem like a setback, it is likely a necessary step in ensuring the success of Flight 9. SpaceX is reusing booster B14 for the first time, and with this being the first Starship booster reflight, extra caution is required. Given the high stakes, SpaceX must ensure that the booster is in perfect condition before it can undertake the challenging ocean landing.

As a result, the team is expected to spend several more days at Mega Bay, carrying out detailed checks and repairs to ensure the booster’s performance is flawless. The launch window for Flight 9 remains from May 22nd to 31st, so there is still ample time to complete these inspections before the mission.

Pad B Testing at Starbase: Chopsticks and Booster Recovery

One of the most exciting developments at Starbase is the ongoing testing at Pad B, which is designed to support the Starship Superheavy booster recovery system. At the heart of this system are the chopsticks—massive mechanical arms that will eventually catch the Superheavy booster during its descent.

On May 16th, Pad B saw some key testing progress, with the chopsticks undergoing a mass pressure test using orange water bags as weights. The arms successfully lifted and lowered three bags (each weighing 50 tons) to test their ability to bear up to 150 tons. This initial test is a modest start, and it is expected that SpaceX will soon push the limits further, testing the chopsticks’ ability to support 500 tons of weight—a crucial step in verifying the system’s strength and reliability.

The Role of Chopsticks in Booster Recovery

The chopsticks’ role in booster recovery cannot be overstated. The current dry weight of a Superheavy booster is about 200 tons, while a Starship weighs roughly 100 tons. During the booster’s landing, both vehicles carry residual fuel and are subjected to dynamic pressure, which significantly increases their weight. The chopsticks need to be able to handle this immense pressure without failing to ensure safe recovery.

The current test is just the beginning. Once completed, these tests will lay the foundation for full operations, and Pad B will likely begin supporting launch attempts in the near future. SpaceX is aiming for the first booster capture attempt using Pad B’s chopsticks at the end of 2025, which would be a landmark moment in space exploration.

Starlink Expansion: The Fast-Paced Journey to Global Internet Coverage

While SpaceX’s Starship program is garnering most of the attention, another key initiative is making rapid progress—Starlink, the company’s satellite constellation designed to provide global internet coverage. In recent updates, SpaceX launched 26 Starlink satellites on May 16th, marking another milestone in the expansion of its broadband network.

To date, Starlink has launched over 8,600 satellites, and more than 7,500 remain operational in orbit. This growing constellation is now providing global internet coverage, especially to remote regions and areas affected by natural disasters. Starlink’s mission to deliver high-speed internet to underserved areas is already proving to be a game-changer for global communications.

Starlink’s Record-Breaking Launches

In 2025 alone, SpaceX has launched 1,029 Starlink satellites across 42 missions, averaging 7 to 9 missions per month. This pace of satellite deployment has been made possible by the high launch frequency of Falcon 9 rockets, with 59 launches already completed this year. SpaceX is aiming for an ambitious target of 180 Falcon 9 launches by the end of 2025.

SpaceX’s ability to launch satellites at such a rapid pace has garnered significant praise from industry leaders. Musk himself acknowledged the efforts of his team, and John Edwards, SpaceX’s VP of Falcon launches, described the company’s team as the “most talented group of space vehicle innovators, builders, and operators the world has ever seen.”

NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: A Beacon of Hope Amid Budget Cuts

In the midst of all these technological advancements, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is facing financial challenges. Due to proposed budget cuts from the White House, many of NASA’s ambitious projects, including telescope development, have been delayed or canceled. Despite these challenges, NASA is pressing forward with the Roman Space Telescope, and significant testing milestones have been achieved.

Key Milestones in the Telescope’s Development

NASA engineers recently announced that they have successfully completed key testing phases for the Roman Space Telescope. This includes important steps in integrating the telescope’s solar array, sunshield, and deployable aperture cover. By November 2025, engineers plan to complete the connection of the two main sections of the telescope, which will mark the completion of the assembly process.

What’s Next for the Roman Telescope?

Once assembly is complete, the telescope will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for its launch preparation. The mission is currently scheduled for early 2027, with the Falcon Heavy rocket slated for the launch. However, the uncertainty around budget cuts means the exact timeline remains in flux. The telescope will be a game-changer for our understanding of the universe, and it’s a project that the space community is watching closely.

Conclusion: The Future of Space Exploration

As we near the end of May 2025, SpaceX and NASA are poised to make significant strides in space exploration. While challenges persist, especially with booster B14’s delay and NASA’s budget constraints, the future remains incredibly bright. SpaceX is pushing the boundaries with its Starship program, Starlink network, and Pad B testing, while NASA remains dedicated to its groundbreaking Roman Space Telescope.

The next few months will be crucial for both companies, and space enthusiasts around the world are watching closely. Whether it’s the first catch of a Superheavy booster, the launch of Flight 9, or the debut of the Roman Space Telescope, the world is on the cusp of some truly historic space milestones.

FAQs

1. What is SpaceX’s Starship Flight 9, and when is it scheduled to launch?

Starship Flight 9 is the upcoming launch of SpaceX’s Starship vehicle, specifically involving the booster B14, which is the first re-used booster in the Starship program. The flight is scheduled to take place within the launch window between May 22nd and 31st, 2025.

2. Why did SpaceX move booster B14 back to the production site?

The unexpected move of booster B14 back to the production site suggests that the booster encountered issues during its transfer to the launch site, likely related to critical systems such as engines, fuel tanks, or grid fins. This move allows SpaceX to perform thorough inspections and repairs before the booster is deemed flight-ready.

3. What is Pad B, and why is it so important to the Starship program?

Pad B is a critical part of SpaceX’s Starship program at Starbase, as it will support the booster recovery system—specifically the chopsticks, which are giant mechanical arms designed to catch the Superheavy booster during its landing. Pad B is undergoing testing to ensure its operational readiness for future Starship missions.

4. What is the purpose of the chopsticks at Pad B?

The chopsticks are a revolutionary part of SpaceX’s booster recovery system. Their primary purpose is to catch the Superheavy booster as it lands after launch. These mechanical arms are designed to handle the immense weight of the booster and ensure a safe and efficient recovery.

5. What is the significance of the chopstick testing at Pad B?

The chopstick testing involves verifying the arms’ ability to support heavy weights. SpaceX has already begun testing the arms with water bags weighing up to 150 tons, and future tests will push the limits to 500 tons to ensure the chopsticks can handle the full weight of the booster during landing.

6. How many Starlink satellites has SpaceX launched in 2025?

In 2025, SpaceX has launched a total of 1,029 Starlink satellites across 42 missions. This brings SpaceX closer to its goal of creating a global broadband network using its growing Starlink constellation.

7. How many satellites are currently operational in the Starlink constellation?

Out of the 8,600 Starlink satellites SpaceX has launched, 7,500 are currently operational, providing global internet coverage and supporting remote areas and disaster recovery efforts.

8. What are SpaceX’s plans for the future of Starlink?

SpaceX plans to continue expanding its Starlink network with rapid satellite deployments. The company has set an ambitious goal of conducting over 180 Falcon 9 launches in 2025, with a large portion of those dedicated to Starlink missions, further enhancing global internet connectivity.

9. How is NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope progressing?

Despite facing budget cuts and uncertainty, NASA is pressing ahead with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope project. Recent milestones include completing major testing phases and preparing to connect the two primary sections of the telescope by November 2025.

10. When will NASA’s Roman Space Telescope be launched?

The Roman Space Telescope is still planned for a launch in early 2027 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket. However, its exact timeline remains uncertain due to budget pressures and potential delays from the White House’s proposed budget cuts.

11. How will the Roman Space Telescope impact our understanding of the universe?

Once operational, the Roman Space Telescope will be a game-changer in the field of astronomy, enabling scientists to study dark energy, exoplanets, and the cosmic expansion of the universe in unprecedented detail. It will transform our understanding of fundamental cosmic questions.

12. What are the challenges SpaceX faces in its space exploration goals?

SpaceX faces several challenges, including potential delays in booster testing and launch scheduling, as well as technical hurdles with the booster recovery system and the Starship program. However, SpaceX’s commitment to innovation and its aggressive testing schedules ensure the company continues to make progress despite these challenges.