Unexpected! New SpaceX's Starship Flight 10 Launch Date. Sooner Than You Think

SpaceX is ramping up its Starship program faster than ever. With the recent movement of Booster 16 and signs of full preparation for Starship Flight 10, the next launch could be closer than expected. In this post, we’ll cover everything from Flight 10 prep, Falcon 9’s latest milestone, to updates on the delayed Axiom 4 mission. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or a casual follower, here’s what you need to know about SpaceX’s latest developments.

Flight 10 Preparation: Booster 16 Moves into Position

Just weeks after the exciting conclusion of Starship Flight 9, SpaceX has already started preparing for Flight 10. The city of Starbase, Texas, recently posted a new beach closure schedule signaling upcoming major tests.

The closures are planned for June 5th (primary) and June 6th (backup), from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. These extended closures usually mean significant Starship activity, with Booster 16 (B16) expected to be the main focus as it supports Flight 10.

Physical Movements and Testing

On June 3rd, B16 was moved to the Mega Bay for engine installation and later transported to the launch pad. It was lifted onto the orbital launch mount with preparations including raising the “chopsticks” and extending the quick disconnect arm.

Upcoming tests include multiple static fire firings, such as a full 33-engine test and smaller engine tests to prepare for landing burns. These tests are critical to ensuring the booster’s performance during the flight and landing phases.

After testing, B16 will return to Mega Bay for final inspections before pairing with Ship 36 (S36) on the launch pad.

Ship 36 (S36) Progress: Static Fire and Engine Installations

Ship 36 recently completed cryogenic proof testing and has since undergone important installation steps like fitting its aft flaps. A Raptor vacuum engine was spotted arriving at Mega Bay 2, hinting that engine installation is underway.

S36 is expected to conduct its own series of static fire tests, including single-engine ignition to verify engine reignition capabilities in space — a milestone not yet fully achieved on previous Starship flights.

When Could Flight 10 Launch?

Elon Musk has suggested that Flight 10 could launch within 3 to 4 weeks after Flight 9, possibly in the second half of June. Though ambitious, this timeline could be feasible if testing and preparations proceed smoothly.

Lessons Learned from Flight 9

Flight 9 was a major step forward but revealed some challenges, including a booster engine failure during landing due to a steeper descent angle. SpaceX will need thorough engine testing and inspection to avoid similar issues.

On the Starship side, the PEZ door failed to deploy properly, and engine reliability during in-space reignition remains a challenge. The heat shield, aft flaps, and internal fuel systems will require upgrades and close attention before the next flight.

Falcon 9’s Record-Breaking 500th Mission

On June 4th, 2025, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying 27 Starlink satellites into orbit. This launch marked the 500th mission of the Falcon rocket family, an incredible milestone for any rocket program.

The Falcon 9 booster, B1063, successfully landed on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” — its 26th successful landing.

Falcon 9’s Legacy

The launch coincided with the 15th anniversary of the first Falcon 9 flight and marked SpaceX’s 50th Starlink launch of 2025. Falcon rockets have revolutionized spaceflight through reusability, reliability, and a high launch cadence unmatched by any other launch provider.

SpaceX plans to complete around 170 Falcon missions in 2025, maintaining Falcon 9’s role as a primary launch vehicle even as Starship development accelerates.

Axiom 4 Mission Delay: What to Expect

The Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station has been delayed to June 10th, 2025, after multiple schedule changes. The mission will launch aboard a Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center.

The mission will feature a new Dragon spacecraft prototype and an international crew including astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and record holder for most cumulative time in space by an American, will command the mission.

During their two-week stay aboard the ISS, the crew will conduct up to 60 scientific experiments, furthering scientific knowledge and advancing private spaceflight operations.

Conclusion: SpaceX’s Rapid Pace of Innovation

SpaceX’s journey continues at an unprecedented pace. With Flight 10 preparations underway, Falcon 9 setting new records, and Axiom 4 pushing international collaboration forward, the future of space exploration looks brighter than ever.

Do you think SpaceX will launch Flight 10 before the end of June? Let us know in the comments below!

FAQs

1. When is SpaceX Starship Flight 10 expected to launch?

SpaceX is aiming to launch Starship Flight 10 in the second half of June 2025, potentially within 3 to 4 weeks after Flight 9.

2. What is Booster 16’s role in Flight 10?

Booster 16 (B16) will serve as the primary booster for Flight 10, undergoing multiple static fire tests before the mission.

3. What tests does Booster 16 need to complete before Flight 10?

B16 will undergo static fire tests, including a full 33-engine firing and smaller engine tests to prepare for landing burns.

4. What progress has Ship 36 (S36) made recently?

Ship 36 has completed cryogenic proof testing, installation of aft flaps, and engine installation preparations ahead of static fire tests.

5. What problems occurred during Starship Flight 9?

Flight 9 faced an engine failure during the landing burn, a steep landing angle causing booster damage, and issues with the PEZ door deployment.

6. How many Falcon 9 missions has SpaceX completed?

SpaceX recently completed its 500th Falcon rocket mission, including Falcon 1, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy launches.

7. What milestone did Falcon 9 booster B1063 achieve?

Booster B1063 successfully landed on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You for the 26th time, showcasing its reliability.

8. Why was the Axiom 4 mission delayed?

The Axiom 4 mission was delayed to allow more time for spacecraft readiness, mission planning, and logistical coordination. The new launch date is June 10, 2025.

9. Who are the astronauts on the Axiom 4 mission?

The crew includes Peggy Whitson (commander), Shuban Shu Shukla (pilot, India), Slavitz Usnanski (mission specialist, Poland), and Tibbor Capu (mission specialist, Hungary).

10. What scientific work will the Axiom 4 crew perform on the ISS?

The crew is expected to conduct up to 60 scientific experiments during their approximately two-week stay on the ISS.

11. How does SpaceX’s Falcon rocket family impact the space industry?

Falcon rockets revolutionized spaceflight through reusability, high launch cadence, and cost efficiency, making them a preferred choice worldwide.

12. What upgrades are needed on Starship before Flight 10?

Improvements are required on the PEZ door deployment, engine reliability for in-space reignition, heat shields, aft flaps, and fuel tank systems.

13. What is the significance of Starbase Texas beach closures?

Extended beach closures signal major Starship testing activities and preparations at SpaceX’s Starbase launch site.

14. How does SpaceX achieve rapid launch cadences with Falcon 9?

SpaceX uses reusable boosters and streamlined operations, enabling them to launch roughly one Falcon mission every two days on average.

15. What are SpaceX’s launch plans for 2025?

SpaceX plans approximately 170 Falcon rocket missions in 2025, maintaining a high launch tempo alongside Starship development.

Unexpected! New SpaceX’s Starship Flight 10 Launch Date. Sooner Than You Think