SpaceX Postpones Tenth Starship Test Flight Due to Weather

SpaceX canceled its highly anticipated tenth test flight of the Starship megarocket for the second consecutive day, citing adverse weather conditions. The launch was scheduled to take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas during a one-hour window beginning at 7:30 p.m. EDT but was repeatedly called off.

The first attempt was hindered earlier in the weekend by ground system issues. The subsequent delay on Monday was caused by weather conditions—specifically, the presence of anvil-shaped clouds, which pose a lightning risk hazardous to the launch.

SpaceX's tenth Starship flight test rocket fueled for launch — SpaceX’s tenth Starship flight test rocket is fueled for launch on Aug. 25, 2025.
(Image credit: SpaceX)

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, announced via social media that the launch was scrubbed due to the weather, specifically citing lightning risks from the surrounding clouds. Musk was present during the attempt and provided live commentary about the Starship’s status.

The next possible launch window is expected to be Tuesday evening, during the same time frame, weather permitting. SpaceX’s team is preparing to replenish the necessary propellants for the upcoming attempt. According to SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot, although they won’t need to refill water tanks since the deflector was not fired, they will need to reload the propellant.

Close-up of a large silver rocket at dusk — SpaceX’s Starship atop its Super Heavy booster at dusk
(Image credit: SpaceX)

Starship, designed to be the most powerful rocket ever built, aims to support missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The vehicle consists of a massive booster, Super Heavy, and an upper-stage spacecraft called Starship, both made of stainless steel and intended to be fully reusable.

Since its first flight in April 2023, Starship has conducted nine test launches, with three in 2025. Challenges during these tests included explosions and loss of control, notably during flights 7 and 8, and a breakup during reentry on flight 9. If the upcoming launch is successful, Super Heavy will perform in-flight experiments and safely splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, while Starship will attempt to deploy Starlink satellites and relight one of its engines in space before returning to Earth in the Indian Ocean.