SpaceX has delayed its seventh test launch of Starship by 24 hours due to weather concerns. The company had initially planned to launch from Boca Chica, Texas, but now targets Thursday for the launch instead. The seven-day forecast shows 55-degree temperatures with fog and mist around the initial launch time, while Thursday’s forecast indicates cloudy conditions before clearing in the afternoon.
The Starship flight is expected to last over 66 minutes and will feature several experiments, including its first payload deployment test using replica Starlink satellites. The spacecraft will also undergo tests for upgrades to its flight computer, avionics, and heat shield. Additionally, the Super Heavy booster will reuse one of its engines for the first time.
During the sixth launch test in November, the spacecraft splashed down successfully, but an attempted catch of the Super Heavy booster was skipped. This delay may push Starship’s seventh launch further back due to the need to refuel the spacecraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration has given SpaceX a window for the launch between January 9 and January 17. However, SpaceX officials have mentioned that it could take several days to refuel the spacecraft, potentially delaying the next launch.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s aerospace company is competing with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin for government contracts and funding to develop a lunar lander for NASA’s Artemis V mission. This contract will return astronauts to the moon in 2029.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/01/15/elon-musks-spacex-test-launches-starship-for-seventh-time-today-heres-how-to-watch