SpaceX is set to launch its Starship rocket this Sunday, marking a significant milestone in its development program. For the first time, the company will attempt to catch the returning Super Heavy booster using a pair of oversized “chopsticks” at its Starbase site in Texas.
The launch window opens at 5 AM PST (7 AM local time). This fifth test flight comes earlier than expected, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently approved the launch after originally indicating it would not issue a modified license until late November.The FAA confirmed that SpaceX has met all safety, environmental, and licensing requirements for the flight. Notably, the approval also extends to the next test flight, as the FAA deemed requested changes within previously analyzed parameters.
Standing nearly 400 feet tall, the Starship is central to SpaceX’s mission of making human life multi-planetary and supports NASA’s Artemis program to return humans to the Moon. A key focus for this flight is the recovery of the Super Heavy booster, which will attempt to hover and position itself between the two “chopstick” arms. These arms will then secure the booster after its engines stop.
SpaceX has emphasized that thousands of criteria must be met for the catch attempt. If conditions are not favorable, the booster will default to a planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The entire launch and return sequence is expected to last approximately seven minutes.
In preparation for the launch, SpaceX engineers have conducted extensive tests on the rocket and its launch systems, including updating the thermal protection system and conducting propellant loading tests.
As SpaceX continues to refine its technology, the company aims to demonstrate the rapid reuse of its spacecraft, which could revolutionize access to space. A live webcast of the launch will be available on SpaceX’s website starting 30 minutes before liftoff.
Philips Babatunde