Starship flight test 10 featured booster B17 version 2 and ship 37 version 2. Key observations:
One booster engine failed and did not restart. @StarshipCobson noted a recurring issue at the same engine position from flights 4 and 8. Source
A grid fin locked up during booster reentry.
An explosion occurred in the skirt section, possibly a vent line, though it appeared unusually energetic. Past flights had oxygen vents in these locations.
Starlink simulator deployment succeeded, though one dummy contacted the door upon release. Previous attempts faced door issues.
Zero-gravity engine relight worked, a key step for orbital capability. Current flights use a suborbital trajectory for safety.
Rear flaps were damaged by heat and disintegrated, possibly during launch or reentry. Forward fins performed well due to leeward repositioning, enabling precise landing near the camera buoy.
Tempering colors appeared on the leeward side, where heat tiles were previously located.
Flap surface material buckled.
Higher booster reentry angle saved fuel and worked effectively.
Only one V2 booster and Starship remain before transitioning to V3. V3 cannot use Pad 1, and Pad 2 is under construction, potentially delaying the first catch attempt.
Starship Program Timeline
Test
Date
Days Elapsed
Version Booster
Version Ship
IFT-1
20.04.23
-
V1 - B7
V1 - S24
IFT-2
18.11.23
212
V1 - B9
V1 - S25
IFT-3
14.03.24
117
V1 - B10
V1 - S28
IFT-4
06.06.24
84
V1 - B11
V1 - S29
IFT-5
13.10.24
129
V1 - B12
V1 - S30
IFT-6
19.11.24
37
V1 - B13
V1 - S31
IFT-7
16.01.25
58
V2 - B14(1)
V2 - S33
IFT-8
06.03.25
49
V2 - B15
V2 - S34
IFT-9
27.03.25
82
V2 - B14(2)
V2 - S35
IFT-10
24.08.25
150
V2 - B16
V2 - S37
Flight Trajectory Comparison
Booster Speed
Booster Altitude
Booster V1 + Ship V1 (IFT-3 to IFT-6):
Average Speed @ MECO: 5,455 km/h
Average Altitude @ MECO: 66 km
Booster V2 + Ship V2 (IFT-7 to IFT-10):
Average Speed @ MECO: 4,539 km/h
Average Altitude @ MECO: 60.8 km
MECO at 160 seconds from IFT-5 to IFT-10. Ship V2’s heavier design reduces speed and altitude.
