SpaceX is set to launch the 12th test flight of its massive Starship spacecraft tonight, following a last-minute cancellation on Thursday due to technical problems with the brand-new launch pad.
Launch Window and Timing
Elon Musk's aerospace company is preparing to launch Starship during a 90-minute window that opens at 5:30 p.m. Central Time (11:30 p.m. BST). The launch will take place from Starbase, near the Mexican border.
Thursday's Aborted Launch
SpaceX came within 30 seconds of launching the test flight on Thursday before a cascade of issues forced a halt. The company cited problems with the new pad, including a hydraulic pin that failed to retract the launch tower's arm. Musk stated that if the issue can be resolved quickly, another attempt would be made on Friday.
A SpaceX representative said 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 to Expect
The 407-foot (124-meter) rocket is designed for space-skimming journeys and aims to be the most powerful ever built. Tonight's test flight will be the 12th for the Starship spacecraft, marking a critical step in SpaceX's development of a fully reusable launch system.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the hydraulic pin issue is being addressed and that another launch attempt will be made today. The company remains optimistic about achieving a successful lift-off during the new window.
