SpaceX Prepares for Seventh Starship Test Flight Featuring Major Upgrades
The new test will evaluate enhanced reusability, satellite deployment, and heat shield improvements as SpaceX advances towards human lunar and Mars missions.
- The Starship test flight is scheduled for January 15, 2025, with a launch window opening at 4:00 p.m. CT from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas.
- This marks the debut of the 'block 2' Starship, featuring redesigned flaps, increased propellant capacity, and upgraded avionics for improved performance and reliability.
- For the first time, Starship will attempt a satellite payload deployment test, releasing 10 mockup Starlink satellites in a suborbital trajectory before splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
- The Super Heavy booster will test the reuse of a Raptor engine from a previous flight and attempt a midair catch using upgraded 'chopstick' arms on the launch tower.
- The test includes experiments on heat shield durability, reentry stress, and advanced radar systems to refine SpaceX's goal of full system reusability for future lunar and Mars missions.
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