Starship anniversary launch postponed by SpaceX, reason named

The launch, scheduled for August 24, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (2:30 a.m. Moscow Time), was canceled 30 minutes before the planned liftoff. The company reported that issues with the ground systems needed to be resolved.

This launch was an important milestone in the Starship program, as it aimed to test new heat shield materials, attempt a soft landing of the first stage (Super Heavy) in the Gulf of Mexico, and try landing the spacecraft in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, it was planned to deploy eight Starlink satellite simulators into space.

This is not the first time a Starship launch has been canceled due to technical issues. Earlier this year, SpaceX faced several setbacks, including rocket explosions during landing attempts and fuel system problems.

A new launch date has not yet been announced, but SpaceX has backup options for August 25 and 26, 2025.

SpaceX prepares for a Mars flight

Previously, billionaire Elon Musk announced that the Starship rocket would head to Mars at the end of next year. If the mission is successful, the first human landings on the Red Planet could take place within a few years.

He added that further Mars missions and successful robotic landings will be important milestones in preparing for human landings.