Elon Musk’s space company is preparing for the sixth test flight of the Starship system, which consists of a Super Heavy launch vehicle and a Starship spacecraft. SpaceX has published a photo of the Super Heavy launch vehicle, which has already been delivered to the Starbase launch pad for pre-launch testing.
“Flight 6 Super Heavy booster moved to the Starbase pad for testing,” SpaceX posted on the X social network (formerly Twitter).
After the Super Heavy engine checks, Starship engine testing will begin, and then the spacecraft will be installed on the carrier in preparation for launch from the base in Boca Chica, Texas.
Flight 6 Super Heavy booster moved to the Starbase pad for testing. The move comes just one week after returning the first booster caught following launch pic.twitter.com/iwmqCeF3tE
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 22, 2024
During a previous launch on October 13, SpaceX successfully tested the rocket’s re-entry system. For the first time, the giant mechanical arms of the launch tower “caught” the Super Heavy after its return to Earth. This success has put SpaceX closer to building a reusable system that will reduce costs and increase flight frequency.
There is no exact date for the next launch yet, but the company hopes to fly by the end of next month. According to a statement from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), SpaceX has permission for a sixth flight on the condition that it maintains a mission profile similar to the previous one. If the company changes key parameters, the FAA will conduct additional review before granting launch permission.
The Starship project is growing in importance, as NASA plans to use it for the Artemis III mission in 2026. As part of this mission, astronauts will land on the surface of the Moon for the first time in 50 years.
We previously reported on how SpaceX recreated an iconic historic photo with Starship engineers.
Provided by Space
