United States - February 12, 2025 Starbase, Texas—SpaceX has taken a major step toward its eighth Starship launch by successfully conducting static test fires of its Super Heavy booster and Starship "Ship" in preparation for the upcoming mission. In a crucial preflight check, all 33 Raptor engines of the 233-foot (71-meter) Super Heavy booster were fired in a full-duration static test on February 9. SpaceX shared the milestone on X, showcasing photos of the booster’s powerful ignition. Shortly after, on February 11, the company completed the engine test for Ship, the second stage of the megarocket. This test involved a longer and more dynamic firing to simulate the range of thrusts experienced during flight. The tests mark a key phase in the countdown to Starship’s integrated test flight (IFT-8), which could launch as early as the end of February, pending the approval of SpaceX’s launch license by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Starship's previous test flight, IFT-7, launched on January 16 with mixed results. While the Super Heavy booster was successfully caught, communication with Ship was lost mid-flight, resulting in the vehicle’s disintegration over the Caribbean. SpaceX is optimistic that IFT-8 will bring more successful outcomes. With the Super Heavy booster and Ship stacked, the combined vehicle will reach a towering height of 403 feet (123 meters).