SerpApi.Org
(NewsNation) — SpaceX is set to make another attempt to launch Starship, the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, Thursday after a last-second scrub halted last week’s countdown.
The launch is scheduled from Starbase in South Texas, with a launch window opening at 5:45 p.m. CT. SpaceX says it has addressed the issue that triggered an automatic abort less than a second before liftoff during last week’s attempt, when several engines failed to ignite.
Following the scrub, engineers replaced several engines, updated the rocket’s propulsion system and completed additional testing in hopes of clearing the way for a successful flight.
“We’ve got the vehicle; they’re still on the pad, and they’re going to get these commodities offloaded,” said Dan Huot, SpaceX spokesperson, after that attempt. “It will take some time digging into what triggered that abort once the booster was igniting to launch.”
The mission marks Starship’s 13th test flight. SpaceX has been testing the massive rocket since 2023, using each launch to gather data and improve the vehicle.
Why this SpaceX test flight is critical
If Thursday’s launch goes ahead, Starship is expected to carry 20 test Starlink satellites, another milestone in demonstrating the rocket’s ability to deliver larger payloads into space.
The flight is also a key step toward SpaceX’s long-term ambitions, including supporting NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon and, eventually, missions to Mars.
One remaining hurdle is the weather. SpaceX says conditions along the Texas Gulf Coast could still affect the launch attempt.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
