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SpaceX Shares Plunge 4% After Starship Launch Delayed Twice

July 25, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

SpaceX shares fell over 4% after Starship launch delayed twice.
Tropical Storm Bertha caused the latest delay due to cloud cover.
Initial launch attempt was aborted due to engine ignition anomalies.
Delays may create future launch capacity gaps.

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Strategic Implications

The delays may indicate challenges in SpaceX's strategy to rely heavily on Starship, which could impact its competitive position in the launch market. The company's decision to discontinue certain Falcon 9 components suggests a significant bet on Starship's commercial viability, which may be at risk if delays continue.

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What Happened

Tropical Storm Intervenes, Raising Concerns Over Commercialization Timeline

SpaceX shares plummeted over 4% on Friday after the company’s critical Starship flight test was postponed for the second time in a week. The latest delay was caused by cloud cover from Tropical Storm Bertha, while an earlier attempt was automatically aborted due to engine ignition anomalies. This marks SpaceX’s first flight test since its record $86 billion IPO, and highlights the high-risk nature of its strategy to bet entirely on Starship. The delays have raised concerns about potential future launch capacity gaps, with the stock now trading more than 14% below its $135 IPO price, as reported by finance.biggo.com.

Source | Originally Published: July 24, 2026

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