SpaceX’s Starship Set for 8th Test Flight Today

SpaceX is gearing up for the eighth test flight of Starship on Thursday, March 6, with a launch window opening at 5:30 p.m. CT (3:30pm PT/6:30pm ET). A live webcast will begin 30 minutes before liftoff on SpaceX’s website and X.

This test will focus on Starship’s first payload deployment, multiple reentry experiments, and an attempt to return and catch the Super Heavy booster. Upgrades include stronger flaps, enhanced propulsion, and improved avionics for more complex missions.

The flight will also deploy four Starlink simulators and test new heat shield materials. If conditions allow, the booster will return to the launch site, potentially creating sonic booms over the landing zone. SpaceX emphasizes that safety remains the top priority, and adjustments may be made as needed.

The most recent test flight was set for March 3, but at T-40 seconds the launch was automatically set to holding, and ultimately was called off. A backup date was set for March 5, but was later targeted to today, March 6.