SpaceX's Starship Flight 8 to launch today: Watch the bold catch of Super Heavy booster live at this time

SpaceX is gearing up for another thrilling Starship test. The Flight 8 mission will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster using giant metal arms. This ambitious launch is scheduled for 6 March from Starbase, Texas.

The launch is planned for 6:30 p.m. EST (2330 GMT). A webcast will stream live on SpaceX’s X account and mission page. Space.com will also simulcast the launch for viewers worldwide. The stream is expected to begin 40 minutes before liftoff.

Watch Starship's eighth flight test https://t.co/alyJTRtgTh https://t.co/7xtpEucyQB
SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 6, 2025

The mission was initially planned for February but faced multiple delays. The last attempt on 3 March was halted due to booster issues. If conditions allow, the launch window may extend until 7 p.m. EST.

Starship’s Mission and Key Objectives
Flight 8 will follow a similar path to Flight 7. The primary goals include payload deployment and reentry experiments. The Super Heavy booster will attempt to land at Starbase using SpaceX’s Mechazilla arms. If conditions are unfavourable, it will splash down in the Gulf of Mexico.

SpaceX’s planned objectives for the Starship Flight 8 test. (Image: SpaceX)

The Starship upper stage will continue for an hour-long flight. It will release a test payload and reignite its Raptor engines before reentering Earth's atmosphere. The planned splashdown will occur in the Indian Ocean, west of Australia.

Aiming for a Historic Catch
SpaceX successfully caught a booster with Mechazilla in 2024. This mission aims to repeat that feat while refining reentry techniques. If successful, it will bring Starship closer to full reusability.

Spectators near Starbase can watch from South Padre Island or Port Isabel. Traffic is expected to be heavy, so early arrival is advised. SpaceX enthusiasts worldwide can tune in online for live coverage of this crucial test.