Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
For months now, space fans have been keeping a close eye on SpaceX, waiting for the next big step in the Starship program. The gap since the last test flight has only made the anticipation stronger. Flight 9 wrapped up almost three months ago, and just a few weeks later, the Ship 36 incident set things back. But now, things are moving forward again. Booster 16 has arrived at the launch pad, showing that the company is deep into final preparations. The target launch date, Sunday, August 24th, has been mentioned repeatedly by Elon Musk, and at this point, it looks more realistic than ever.
This time, SpaceX wants to confirm all systems work together while testing new ideas that will influence Starship’s future, taking on challenges with both risk and reward.
One of the main experiments for Flight 10 involves a change to how the Super Heavy booster will land. Normally, the final landing burn uses three of the inner engines to slow the rocket before it touches down. This time, SpaceX plans to shut off one of those engines on purpose, leaving only two active for the final phase. At first, this may sound counterintuitive. Having more engines running provides more power and an extra layer of safety. But this decision is intentional—it’s about testing what happens when things don’t go perfectly.
Here’s the basic sequence. Once the booster separates from the upper stage and completes its role in the mission, it will begin re-entering the atmosphere. A large group of engines—13 in total—will fire to slow the descent during the first phase of landing. Then, for the final approach, only two central engines will ignite instead of three. This will guide the booster, control its speed, and position it for a safe splashdown at sea.
For months now, space fans have been keeping a close eye on SpaceX, waiting for the next big step in the Starship program. The gap since the last test flight has only made the anticipation stronger. Flight 9 wrapped up almost three months ago, and just a few weeks later, the Ship 36 incident set things back. But now, things are moving forward again. Booster 16 has arrived at the launch pad, showing that the company is deep into final preparations. The target launch date, Sunday, August 24th, has been mentioned repeatedly by Elon Musk, and at this point, it looks more realistic than ever.
This time, SpaceX wants to confirm all systems work together while testing new ideas that will influence Starship’s future, taking on challenges with both risk and reward.
One of the main experiments for Flight 10 involves a change to how the Super Heavy booster will land. Normally, the final landing burn uses three of the inner engines to slow the rocket before it touches down. This time, SpaceX plans to shut off one of those engines on purpose, leaving only two active for the final phase. At first, this may sound counterintuitive. Having more engines running provides more power and an extra layer of safety. But this decision is intentional—it’s about testing what happens when things don’t go perfectly.
Here’s the basic sequence. Once the booster separates from the upper stage and completes its role in the mission, it will begin re-entering the atmosphere. A large group of engines—13 in total—will fire to slow the descent during the first phase of landing. Then, for the final approach, only two central engines will ignite instead of three. This will guide the booster, control its speed, and position it for a safe splashdown at sea.
