SpaceX is preparing for a Starship launch unlike any other, with its seventh test flight set to take place on Wednesday, January 15. The rocket will attempt to deploy Starlink simulators and test significant hardware upgrades. A 60-minute launch window opens at 5 p.m. ET, followed by a livestream around 35 minutes beforehand.
Although the initial test flights faced challenges, SpaceX has enjoyed success with its recent launches. In October 2024, Starship launched for a groundbreaking fifth test flight, and its most recent test on November 20 saw a nominally successful suborbital launch. For this seventh launch, SpaceX plans to attempt its second successful catch of the enormous booster.
This time around, SpaceX will deploy 10 Starlink simulators during the payload deployment test. The rocket’s propulsion system has been upgraded to hold 25% more fuel, with improved avionics for better performance and longer missions. A new heat shield design features upgraded tiles with a backup layer for protection.
Starship is designed as a two-stage, reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle, capable of carrying crew and cargo to orbit, the Moon, and possibly even Mars. With plans for up to 25 launches in 2025, SpaceX aims to revolutionize spaceflight. However, this ambitious goal may raise concerns about the impact on the surrounding launch site area due to sonic booms produced by the rocket, which are approximately 10 times louder than those of the Falcon 9.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/watch-live-as-spacex-attempts-second-booster-catch-during-latest-starship-test-launch-2000548896