SpaceX targeting Nov. 18 for next Starship megarocket launch

[Admin]

SpaceX's Starship megarocket will fly for the sixth time ever on Nov. 18, on a test flight that will include another dramatic booster catch.

SpaceX targeting Nov. 18 for next Starship megarocket launch : Read more

 

[StrandedonEarth]

Definitely looking forward to this. I hope the in-space relight goes well, as that appears to be the next major hurdle to clear.

 

[James Parker]

The regulatory environment is about to get 100% better. Probably just did. More cash & contracts may also be in the offering, including a Mars contract. This could be a very active period for SpaceX and Starship. What can they accomplish in the next 4 years? Moon landing using Starship only? Mars mission?

 

[Unclear Engineer]

I think the FAA already has approved the flight programs that have Ship come down in the Indian Ocean and SuperHeavy return to Boca Chica. So, the regulatory delays would not seem to apply until SpaceX changes the flight plan.

Restarting the Ship's rocket motor(s) while in free fall in space is needed before putting Ship into a stable orbit, so that there is confidence that it can do a retro burn to deorbit. Once that is proven, the FAA will probably need to issue a different license for orbital missions.

 

[RenagadePilot]

SpaceX's Starship megarocket will fly for the sixth time ever on Nov. 18, on a test flight that will include another dramatic booster catch.

SpaceX targeting Nov. 18 for next Starship megarocket launch : Read more

so, would that require 2 towers to catch Both crafts? or is there enough of a expected delay /between operations before you could catch the Starship?

 

[Unclear Engineer]

They have built a second tower. And I doubt they would have StarShip land directly above a SuperHeavy booster still on the pad from its earlier catch - at least not on the first try to catch a StarShip.

But, that does bring up the issue of how they intend to work the process when it is fully operational and they are looking at very short turnaround times between recoveries and launches. It seems like the refurbishment of a SuperHeavy would be somewhat delayed by having to stand clear while a StarShip comes in above it. And it definitely increases the damage if a StarShip recovery has a "mishap".