SpaceX Targets Thursday for Starship Launch After Previous Abort

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, July 23, for its next attempt to launch its Starship rocket, according to a company statement. The new schedule follows a last-second abort during the rocket's previous launch attempt from its Texas facility.

Previous Abort and Corrective Action

The upcoming mission is a re-attempt of Starship's 13th flight test, which was automatically halted on July 16 just moments before liftoff. The abort reportedly erased approximately $100 billion from the company’s market value, according to Reuters.

In response to the incident, SpaceX said it has modified the rocket's propulsion system to address the engine issue that triggered the abort. Delays are not uncommon for the $15 billion rocket development program, which has a history of dramatic test flights.

Mission Objectives

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This suborbital test flight has a key objective beyond reaching space: it will carry 20 Starlink satellites to demonstrate Starship's satellite-dispensing system. Following their deployment, the satellites are planned to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere along with the rocket.

The test is a crucial step in SpaceX's long-term strategy. The company's prospectus states it aims to use Starship to launch Starlink satellites into orbit by the end of the year, eventually moving toward routine launches for its satellite internet constellation.

Shifting Timelines

The launch date has been subject to several changes. Last Friday, SpaceX had announced it would attempt the launch on July 20. In a post on the social media platform X, CEO Elon Musk initially stated the next launch would be on Friday before correcting himself to Thursday, aligning with the company's official communication.