SpaceX Plans 400 Starship Launches by 2027

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced at a financial conference that the company could launch up to 400 Starships over the next four years, transitioning from experimental to operational missions. With significant growth in its workforce and valuation, SpaceX aims to replace Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches with Starship missions, including the eventual retirement of the Dragon spacecraft for crewed missions. Despite facing technical challenges and regulatory hurdles, Shotwell expressed optimism about the future of Starship, especially under the new Trump administration, which she believes will facilitate faster regulatory approvals. The sixth test flight of the Starship is scheduled, aiming to demonstrate advancements in booster recovery and in-flight maneuvers. This ambitious launch goal aligns with SpaceX's vision of expanding commercial spaceflight and supporting missions to the Moon and Mars. Overall, Shotwell's remarks indicate a transformative period ahead for SpaceX and its Starship program.