SpaceX has scheduled the 10th flight test of its Starship for Tuesday evening, following multiple delays. The launch window is set to open at 6:30 p.m. Central Time at the company’s facility in Starbase, Texas. This marks the third attempt to conduct the test after a previous cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.
The upcoming test will involve the Super Heavy Booster, which will perform several flight experiments during its descent towards an offshore landing point in the Gulf of Mexico. Notably, the booster will not attempt to return to the launch site for a catch, instead focusing on its landing burn and engine configurations.
Flight Experiments and Maneuvers
According to Louis Balderas from LabPadre Space Channel, SpaceX plans to execute “extreme maneuvers” and approach at “high angles of attack” as the booster descends. These maneuvers aim to evaluate how the booster interacts with the atmosphere during its landing phase. Additionally, the test will assess the performance of the booster’s grid fins while attempting to minimize the number of engines in operation during the landing burn.
The design of the Starship has remained largely unchanged externally; however, significant internal modifications have been made. These adjustments include new pressurization lines and other systems designed to enhance the vehicle’s ability to withstand the intense heat of re-entry. This testing follows previous evaluations that identified issues such as fuel leakage.
SpaceX continues to refine its technology as it moves closer to its goal of enabling human space travel and exploration. Each flight test provides critical data that informs future developments and enhancements to the Starship program. As the countdown to the launch progresses, anticipation builds around what could be a pivotal moment for the company and its ambitious space exploration plans.
