SpaceX announced Wednesday it has delayed the 7th launch of its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
The launch was set for Wednesday afternoon but has moved back to Thursday at 5 p.m. from SpaceX’s Starbase launch complex in Boca Chica, Texas.
SpaceX said the delay was due to weather.
Due to weather, we're now targeting Thursday, January 16 for Starship's seventh flight test. The 60-minute launch window opens at 4 p.m. CT. → https://t.co/QNCSPTewLA pic.twitter.com/ZV08pXeqbf
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 15, 2025
SpaceX said Starship 7 is a “new generation” of its spacecraft that will test significant upgrades.
Watch: SpaceX crews launch 6th test flight of Starship spacecraft and world’s biggest rocket
Some upgrades include the first payload deployment test, multiple reentry experiments geared towards ship catch and reuse, and the launch and return of the Super Heavy booster.
SpaceX plans to deploy a payload of Starlink satellites for the first time while in orbit.
SEE: SpaceX launches 2 lunar landers from Florida’s Space Coast
After the launch, SpaceX will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster back at the launch pad, and Starship will eventually make a splashdown landing in the Indian Ocean.
Due to the experimental nature of the rocket, the launch could be delayed.
Read: NASA selects SpaceX to develop spacecraft to deorbit International Space Station
The company is hoping to launch the mega-rocket 25 times this year.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2025 Cox Media Group