SpaceX upgrades Starship ahead of Flight 10

SpaceX unveils a redesigned Starship booster with three grid fins after failed tests, signaling a push toward safer landings.

SpaceX redesigns Starship to stop exploding

SpaceX has unveiled a redesigned Starship booster after a string of failed tests. The plan drops one of the four landing fins and adds three grid fins that are 50 percent larger and stronger to improve control during descent. SpaceX says the new fins will also support a ground catching system by lowering the booster’s position for tower arms.

The next test flight, Flight 10, could occur within days or weeks. U.S. Coast Guard notices warn of navigation hazards around Starbase in southern Texas, including debris and descending components. Elon Musk has tied Starship’s Mars ambitions to a series of milestones, with crewed landings possibly beginning by 2029 or 2031 if testing goes well.

From an engineering view, moving to three larger fins changes the balance of control. Bigger fins may boost stability, but the new catch point adds a dependency on ground infrastructure and tower systems. The redesign shows SpaceX leaning on incremental, test-led progress rather than a single leap forward.

Beyond the hardware, the plan invites scrutiny from investors, regulators, and the public as SpaceX presses toward Mars. A successful Flight 10 could accelerate timelines and public interest, while setbacks could sharpen concerns about safety, costs, and feasibility that shape future funding and approvals.

Highlights

The road to Mars demands careful engineering and public trust.