A spectator looks on as SpaceX continues to make final preparations for the launch of their Starship rocket on its sixth flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on Monday. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
SpaceX is expected to launch its sixth test of its massive Starship from South Texas late Tuesday afternoon.
The two-stage Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, is expected to launch about 5 p.m., EST. Advertisement
SpaceX will try to capitalize on the success of its fifth test flight about a month ago after medications were made to help move toward to rocket’s reuse.
The Starship consists of the Super Heavy first stage and second stage. The returning first stage will take part in a “return and catch” using the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms at is spaceport in Texas.
“Starship’s fifth flight test was a seminal moment in iterating toward a fully and rapidly reusable launch system,” SpaceX said in a statement. “On the first attempt, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch site and was caught by the chopstick arms of the launch and catch tower at Starbase.”
While the Super Heavy will be trying to duplicate that success a month ago, the second stage will be trying to do the same with a controlled landing into the Indian Ocean after returning to Earth to a designated location. Advertisement
“The next Starship flight test aims to expand the envelope on ship and booster capabilities and get closer to bringing reuse of the entire system online,” SpaceX said.
SpaceX said it will also be watching how the rocket reacts while reigniting one of its Raptor engines in space and testing heatshield experiments and maneuvering changes for ship reentry and descent over the Indian Ocean.
