SpaceX is set to launch its seventh flight test of Starship on January 10, marking a significant milestone towards the development of full reusability for the launch system. The test will deploy simulated Starlink satellites for the first time, testing the system’s ability to deploy active next-generation Starlink satellites.
The launch from Starbase Orbital Launch Pad A in South Texas is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern and will feature a number of new upgrades and objectives. These include reduced flaps on the Starship upper stage, which will allow for simplified protective tiling, as well as redesigns to the propulsion system that increase propellant volume by 25%.
The Starship upper stage will also use the latest generation tiles, with a backup layer to protect from missing or damaged tiles. The Super Heavy booster will reuse Raptor engine number 314, which has flown on Booster 12, in a small step towards reusability.
The aim is for Super Heavy to make a return to the pad for a catch attempt, but if conditions are not met, it will instead head for the Gulf of Mexico for a landing burn and soft splashdown. The tower will also test radar sensors for increased accuracy when determining distances between the chopsticks and returning vehicle.
SpaceX aims to fly increasingly ambitious missions in the coming year, with the goal of bringing reuse of the entire system online. This includes sending humans and cargo into orbit around Earth, as well as on to the moon and Mars.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacexs-starship-flight-7-test-flight-will-deploy-simulated-starlink-satellites-for-1st-time