SpaceX readies for another attempt at 13th Starship test flight in Texas

SpaceX is preparing another attempt at its 13th Starship test flight from Starbase in Texas, targeting Thursday afternoon launches from Boca Chica Beach. The previous attempt last week was aborted after several engines failed to start before the countdown reached zero, according to Elon Musk. The new test launch is scheduled with a 90-minute window opening at 5:45 p.m. local time. The company says the flight will test the Super Heavy booster through key phases including launch, ascent, stage separation, boostback burn, and landing burn. Hardware has been modified to improve relight reliability, and for Starship SpaceX plans to launch 20 Starlink satellites. The Federal Aviation Administration attributed the earlier booster failure to heat effects on propulsion components during ascent and incorrect engine alarm system settings; SpaceX says those issues have been addressed. Starship also had engine trouble during the prior flight but stayed on its planned trajectory.