SpaceX has postponed the 13th test flight of its Starship rocket to Friday, July 24, after weather conditions threatened the critical heat shield imaging needed for the mission. The delay marks the third setback for the company in just over a week, adding to a rough stretch for Elon Musk's space venture.
Why the delay matters
The heat shield imaging is essential for verifying the thermal protection system before reentry. Without clear views, engineers can't confirm the tiles are secure. SpaceX said weather made those observations impossible. The company hasn't said when it will try again beyond the Friday target.
A string of setbacks
This is the third time in eight days that SpaceX has had to push back a Starship milestone. The previous two delays were not detailed publicly, but the pattern raises questions about the pace of testing. Each postponement eats into the already tight schedule for getting Starship operational.
Stock below IPO price
SpaceX's stock now trades at $118, well below its initial public offering price of $135. The decline reflects broader market jitters and perhaps investor impatience with the repeated delays. The company has not commented on the stock performance.
SpaceX will try again on Friday, July 24, assuming the weather cooperates. If the flight goes ahead, it will be the first Starship launch since the previous test in June. The company has not said what would happen if Friday's attempt also gets scrubbed.
