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SpaceX’s Ship 40 Fires One Raptor 3 Engine Then Returns to the Bay

Confirming a 15-second single-engine static fire, SpaceX rolled Ship 40 back to Mega Bay 2 and left Flight 13 timing unclear.

Overview

  • Ship 40 performed a full-duration single Raptor 3 static fire on Friday that lasted about 15 seconds and was posted publicly by SpaceX.
  • Observers reported an earlier igniter test or aborted static-fire attempt that ended with detanking during Ship 40’s Massey’s test campaign.
  • After the single-engine burn, SpaceX rolled Ship 40 back to Mega Bay 2 before completing the planned six-engine static fire and offered no public explanation for the rollback.
  • Booster 20 remains in Mega Bay 1 following cryo-proofing and is likely still weeks from a full 33-engine static fire while Pad 2 has received mechanical and cryogenic upgrades to support upcoming tests.
  • Analysts say Flight 13 could slip from late July into August if Ship 40 must complete a full six-engine test and Booster 20 must finish its 33-engine check, a scenario that will increase work and schedule pressure on Starbase teams.