SpaceX's Starship launch hinges on launchpad repairs and upgrades.
SpaceX needs to repair and renovate its damaged launch site in Texas before attempting to send its Starship rocket into orbit again. The company is planning to add a pair of massive steel plates with pressurized water to dampen the effects of as many as 33 Raptor engines igniting during takeoff. However, industry experts are unsure if this will be enough to prevent another "rock tornado" like the one that destroyed the launchpad during the last attempt. The gold standard in the launch industry has been to build a flame trench, which SpaceX did not use. SpaceX has not yet applied for any modifications to its permit to add a steel plate structure or a flame trench.