SpaceX ignites giant Super Heavy booster engines ahead of daring Starship launch (video)

SpaceX completed a full-duration static fire of all 33 Raptor 3 engines on the Super Heavy booster for Flight Test 15 on October 25, beginning final checks before mating with upper stage Ship 42, according to Space.com. The test lasted about 15 seconds. Ship 42 will undergo its own static fire and systems checks ahead of a mission that company leadership says will attempt the first launch tower catch of a Ship upper stage.

Flight 14 reached orbit and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites — the first operational payload for Starship — though an early engine shutdown cut the mission short. The V3 satellites are too large for the Falcon 9 rocket, driving the push for regular Starship service. Flight 15 may carry another V3 batch, though no payload is confirmed.

NASA's Artemis program requires a modified Starship for crewed lunar landings, with a major demonstration set for next summer on Artemis III and an uncrewed landing test before Artemis IV in 2028. SpaceX also targets a first Florida launch and potential re-flight of an upgraded V3 Super Heavy booster before year-end, with Flight 15 possibly flying in mid-to-late November.

Source

SpaceX ignites giant Super Heavy booster engines ahead of daring Starship launch (video) — Space.com