SpaceX is preparing to launch the 12th test flight of its massive Starship spacecraft tonight, following a last-minute cancellation yesterday due to technical issues. The launch window opens at 5:30pm Central Time (11:30pm BST) and lasts 90 minutes.
Yesterday's Scrub
SpaceX was within 30 seconds of launching when the attempt was called off because of problems with the brand-new pad at Starbase, near the Mexican border. Elon Musk explained that a hydraulic pin holding the launch tower's arm did not retract, adding that if the issue can be resolved quickly, another attempt would be made on Friday. A SpaceX representative stated during the livestream: "New rocket, new pad. We're learning a lot about these systems as we execute them for the first time and we're not able to troubleshoot all of these issues in the final seconds to get to launch."
What's New with Starship V3
This is the first launch of Starship Version 3, featuring significant upgrades. The rocket is taller, exceeds 18 million pounds of total thrust, and introduces new Raptor 3 engines. The launch pad itself has also been renewed, with upgraded propellant storage and faster filling capabilities. The chopsticks on the launch tower are now shorter for faster motion, and the quick disconnect arm has been strengthened and rotates farther away during launch.
Test Objectives
The suborbital test flight aims to demonstrate successful launch, stage separation, and splashdown in the Indian Ocean. During the flight, Starship will release 20 dummy Starlink satellites and two operational ones that will scan the heat shield and send images back to Earth. SpaceX also hopes to relight one of the Raptor engines in space. The Super Heavy booster will make a controlled landing in the Gulf of Mexico about seven minutes after liftoff, while Starship's landing is expected about an hour later.
Importance of the Heat Shield
SpaceX is testing methods to analyse the heat shield's readiness for return to the launch site on future missions. Musk has described the reusable orbital heat shield as "the single biggest remaining problem for Starship," noting that no one has ever made one before.
Broader Context
Starship is crucial for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2028. SpaceX also plans to use Starship for missions to Mars, with Musk aiming for an uncrewed voyage by the end of 2026. Additionally, Starship could play a role in Musk's vision of AI datacenters in space, launching components into orbit to generate AI compute capacity.
Weather and Live Coverage
SpaceX reports weather is currently 55% favourable for liftoff. Live coverage will begin approximately 45 minutes before launch on SpaceX's website, X page, and YouTube channel, as well as on the Mirror website.
