SpaceX has successfully assembled the world’s largest rocket, Starship Flight 7, at its test site near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas. The massive vehicle is set to launch on January 13, marking the seventh test flight of the Starship spacecraft.
The rocket stands nearly 400 feet tall and will carry a new version of the Starship spacecraft with enhanced features, including upgraded avionics, heat shield, and flight computer. It will also deploy simulated Starlink internet satellites during its 66-minute flight.
During the launch, SpaceX aims to test significant upgrades, attempt payload deployment, fly multiple reentry experiments, and launch the Super Heavy booster back into space for a catch by giant metal “chopstick” arms at its launch pad. If successful, the rocket will return safely to Earth.
However, if the conditions are not met, the Super Heavy stage will automatically default to a soft landing and splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX officials emphasize that safety is their top priority and will only proceed with the catch if both the rocket and its launch tower meet critical criteria.
The Starship Flight 7 mission marks an important milestone for SpaceX’s fully reusable launch system, designed for missions to Earth orbit, the moon, and beyond. NASA has selected Starship for its Artemis 3 astronauts’ lunar mission in 2027, while Elon Musk hopes to launch an uncrewed version of Starship to Mars as early as 2026.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-assembles-the-worlds-largest-rocket-for-starship-flight-7-test-launch-photos