SpaceX is gearing up for the sixth test flight of its powerful rocket, Starship. The company has been adopting a “fail fast, learn fast” approach to research and development, similar to the tech industry, and the frequency of launches seems to be increasing.
The upcoming flight is scheduled for as early as 18 November, according to SpaceX’s website. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a NOTAM for a rocket launch in the vicinity of SpaceX’s launch pads in Boca Chica, Texas. The launch window will open at 4pm local time.
SpaceX completed the first five Starship test flights over 18 months, with the fifth taking place in mid-October. If the sixth flight occurs next week, it will mark the quickest turnaround between launches for the company.
Flight 6 will mirror some aspects of the previous flight, with a few notable differences. The booster stage will attempt a “chopstick” landing, a technique where the craft is captured and secured as it returns to the launchpad, enabling reusability and cost reduction for future missions.
The upper stage will venture into space, conduct a partial orbit, and then re-enter Earth’s atmosphere for a splash landing in the Indian Ocean. This time, the upper stage will reignite one of its Raptor engines in space to gather operational data and test new heat shield designs during re-entry. The launch will occur later in the day to capture the upper stage’s landing in daylight for enhanced visual detail.
Previous Starship launches have seen mixed outcomes, with engine failures, mid-air separations, and partial successes. Test flight 5 saw the Super Heavy booster successfully caught by SpaceX’s launch tower, Mechazilla, using the “chopsticks” technique for the first time.
In summary, SpaceX’s Starship test flights showcase the company’s innovative approach to space exploration and reusability. The upcoming flight promises to push boundaries and gather crucial data for future missions. Stay tuned for updates on SpaceX’s ambitious endeavors in the realm of space travel.
