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SpaceX launched its ninth integrated Starship test flight (IFT-9) from Starbase, Texas, at 18:36 CT (23:36 UTC) on May 27. The rocket, comprising the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage, aimed to test reusability and reentry capabilities. All 33 Raptor engines on the booster and six on the upper stage ignited successfully during ascent, marking the first use of a previously flown Super Heavy booster.<\/p>\n
The booster separated successfully and followed a steep descent trajectory to test control under high stress. It maintained stability using grid fins during the high-angle descent, transmitting valuable telemetry data. However, the booster was destroyed during the landing burn when 13 Raptor engines failed to reignite properly.<\/p>\n
The Starship upper stage reached its planned suborbital trajectory, achieving engine cutoff as intended. However, a door mechanism failure prevented the deployment of simulated Starlink satellites, a key mission objective.<\/p>\n