SpaceX's Starship flight 8 launch: Here's how & when to watch

SpaceX is gearing up for another exciting test flight of its Starship rocket, with Flight 8 set to take off today, March 6, 2025, from Starbase, Texas. The mission will once again test the company's ambition to catch its Super Heavy booster using its giant Mechazilla arms—a feat SpaceX aims to perfect.

Originally scheduled for February, the flight was delayed several times, and the most recent attempt on March 3 was halted due to issues with the booster. If the weather conditions are favorable, the launch will take place at 6:30 p.m. EST (2330 GMT), with the webcast beginning 40 minutes before liftoff.

SpaceX will stream the launch live on its official X account and mission page, making it accessible to viewers worldwide.

Mission Objectives & Starship's New Features

The Flight 8 mission will build on the goals of Flight 7, focusing on deploying a test payload and conducting reentry experiments. A key objective will be for the Super Heavy booster to attempt a landing at Starbase, using SpaceX’s Mechazilla arms. If conditions aren’t favorable, the booster will aim for a landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the flight, the Starship upper stage will carry out a one-hour journey, deploying a payload and performing a reentry maneuver, followed by a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, off the west coast of Australia.

SpaceX has also enhanced Starship’s design for this mission. The upper stage now has a 25% increase in propellant volume, allowing for longer flights. The forward flaps have been redesigned to lower reentry heat exposure and improve the overall system's performance.

Aiming for a Historic Catch

The ultimate goal of this test is to successfully catch the Super Heavy booster using the Mechazilla arms, a significant step toward achieving full reusability for the Starship program. SpaceX achieved a similar success last year, and Flight 8 aims to refine these techniques even further.

If you're in the South Padre Island or Port Isabel area, you're in luck—you can watch the launch live in person! However, it's recommended to arrive early for a good spot. For those further away, don’t miss the live stream online for this groundbreaking test flight.

Mark your calendars and tune in for what promises to be another historic moment for SpaceX!