The ninth integrated flight test of SpaceX's Starship system and the first flight of Block 3 hardware. Booster B16 will attempt a Mechazilla catch, while Ship S35 — featuring all-new Raptor 3 engines and electric flap actuators — will complete a full orbital profile.
Crew access arm retracted, ordnance armed, flight rules review completed. Starbase launch team performs final vehicle checks and weather assessment at the Orbital Launch Mount.
Elon Musk posted on X that the next Starship launch, IFT-9, is targeting 4-6 weeks out. This will be the first flight of the Block 3 Starship, featuring Booster B16 and Ship S35 with new Raptor 3 engines.
Super Heavy Booster B16 was rolled out to the Orbital Launch Mount at Starbase. Static fire testing of the 35 Raptor 3 engines is underway ahead of IFT-9.
Ship S35, the first Block 3 Starship, has completed stacking operations in the High Bay at Starbase. The vehicle features all Block 3 upgrades including electric flap actuators and the redesigned heat shield.
SpaceX submitted a license amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration for IFT-9. The amendment covers the Block 3 vehicle configuration and any trajectory changes from previous flights.
All 41 Raptor 3 engines (35 for B16, 6 for S35) have completed acceptance testing at SpaceX's McGregor, Texas test facility and are manifested for IFT-9.
SpaceX confirmed Block 3 design freeze with B16/S35 as the first production units. Key upgrades include Raptor 3 engines, electric flap actuators, redesigned heat shield, and structural mass reductions.
Source: @elonmusk / SpaceX · Updates reflect public announcements as of April 4, 2026