The Starship program is entering a critical period as Flight 9 preparations continue for a launch now likely toward the end of May after the Memorial Day holiday in the United States. After two consecutive setbacks with the early terminations of Flight 7 and 8 over the Caribbean, a great deal is riding on how Flight 9 performs.

SpaceX is conducting an FAA-mandated mishap investigation into the previous test flight, which diverted air travel.

Elon Musk hinted on X that SpaceX could launch its Starship this week on its ninth flight test from the company's Starbase in South Texas.

Space exploration often pushes the boundaries of our understanding, but Elon Musk's Starship test flight has reportedly delivered something unprecedented. Scientists are now grappling with the aftermath of the launch,