Overview

• The mission is slated for May 27 from Starbase, Texas, and will reuse the Super Heavy booster first flown on Starship Flight 7.
• Starship’s upper stage will attempt to deploy eight Starlink dummy satellites, marking the program’s first payload deployment.
• SpaceX will test a Raptor engine relight in orbit to validate restart capabilities for future missions.
• Recent hardware changes include added nitrogen purge systems, reinforced joint preload and improved propellant drains after two previous upper stage failures.
• The FAA cleared Flight 9 and has expanded Starship’s annual launch limit from five to 25 following its safety and environmental review.