Starship Integrated Flight Test 9 (IFT-9) Preview | NET 27.05.25; 23:30 UTC

SpaceX is preparing for the ninth integrated flight test (IFT-9) of its Starship program, scheduled for March 27, 2025. This test follows challenges encountered during IFT-8 and introduces new objectives to advance Starship’s development. Below is a summary of key points, including insights from IFT-8 and details for IFT-9.

IFT-8 Mishap Summary

During IFT-8, issues arose with the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft:
- Booster Engine Relight Failure: Torch ignition issues prevented some of the booster’s engines from relighting during the boostback and landing burn phases.
- Starship Explosion: A hardware failure in one of the upper stage’s center Raptor engines led to inadvertent propellant mixing and ignition, causing the spacecraft’s explosion.

Source: SpaceX IFT-8 Mishap Investigation Summary

IFT-9 Objectives

IFT-9 introduces several milestones and experiments to further test Starship’s capabilities:
- Flight-Proven Booster: This will be the first launch of a Super Heavy booster previously flown and recovered during IFT-7. Notably, 29 of its 33 Raptor engines are flight-proven.
- Payload Deployment: Starship will deploy eight Starlink simulators (~16'000kg), similar in size to next-generation Starlink satellites, marking the vehicle’s first payload deployment.
- Raptor Engine Relight: A single Raptor engine on the Starship spacecraft will attempt an in-space relight.
- Reentry Stress Test: Starship’s reentry profile will intentionally stress the structural limits of the upper stage’s rear flaps at the point of maximum dynamic pressure.
- Booster Flight Experiments: The Super Heavy booster will perform experiments to gather data on future flight profiles and off-nominal scenarios. To prioritize the safety of Starbase’s launch infrastructure, the booster will target an offshore landing in the Gulf of Mexico and will not attempt a return to the launch site.
- High Angle of Attack Descent: The booster will fly at a higher angle of attack during descent to increase atmospheric drag, reducing descent speed and propellant needed for the landing burn.
- Flight Trajectory: mission profile will be similar to IFT-8. Ship will land in the Indian Ocean (ideally close to Australia).

Source: SpaceX IFT-9 Mission Overview

Source: Wikipedia Starship flight test 9

Starship Program Timeline

The table below outlines the timeline of Starship’s integrated flight tests, showing the progression of tests and intervals between them:

Test	Date	Days Elapsed
IFT-1	20.04.23	-
IFT-2	18.11.23	212
IFT-3	14.03.24	117
IFT-4	06.06.24	84
IFT-5	13.10.24	129
IFT-6	19.11.24	37
IFT-7	16.01.25	58
IFT-8	06.03.25	49
IFT-9	27.03.25	82

Starship Specifications

The Starship system, comprising the spacecraft and Super Heavy booster, is designed for full reusability and large-scale payload delivery. Key specifications include:

Component	Details
Full Stack
Height	123 m
Diameter	9 m
Payload Capacity (Reusable)	100–150 t
Starship Spacecraft
Height	52 m
Diameter	9 m
Super Heavy Booster
Height	71 m
Diameter	9 m

Source: SpaceX Starship Overview

NASASpaceflight Update

Starship Flight 9 Prepares for Launch | What You Need To Know | Starbase Update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD2Qa0Dwjyg

Raptor Engine Development

The Raptor engine, powering both the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy booster, has undergone significant upgrades to improve performance and reliability. For a detailed look at these advancements, watch Tim Dodd’s video: How SpaceX Is Upgrading Raptor To Be The Ultimate Rocket Engine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALiNmzoo1_E

Last Minute Appointment for Tim Dodd

Tim got the chance to talk to Elon Musk 4 hours before launch of IFT 9

Got to catch up with @elonmusk for a few minutes before today's launch! We were going to chat after today's speech, but unfortunately that changed, but, always happy to talk rockets!!! Join our Flight 9 coverage in 15 minutes!! Best of luck today @SpaceX!!! pic.twitter.com/KJNEtiyJ2d
— Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) May 27, 2025