Highlights: SpaceX launches Starship test flight 5
- by CNN
- Oct 13, 2024
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What to expect from today's test flight
Onlookers watch as SpaceX's Starship rocket is prepared for a test launch in Boca Chica, Texas, on Saturday.
Eric Gay/AP
Itâs that time again: SpaceX is kicking off yet another daring test flight of its Starship rocket. Thereâs no crew on board. And like all practice runs for this developmental rocket, success is not guaranteed.
But SpaceX is hoping to keep improving, building on four prior test flights that have showed significant progress: The very first attempt in April 2023 cleared the launchpad before exploding moments later. But the last test, in June, saw both Starship and its Super Heavy rocket booster survive the full flight and practice landing maneuvers.
Hereâs what to expect today:
An hour and 15 minutes before launch, SpaceX will conduct a final âgo/no-goâ poll, confirming whether it will move forward with todayâs launch attempt.
From 40 to 50 minutes before takeoff, SpaceX will begin loading up the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy booster with fuel.
SpaceX will begin a livestream of this event about 30 minutes before takeoff, expected to occur during a 30-minute launch window that opens at 8 a.m. ET from SpaceXâs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
After launch, the Super Heavy booster will fire for nearly three minutes before breaking away from the Starship spacecraft, which will then fire up its own engines.
The Super Heavy will make what is sure to be an eye-popping attempt to land back at the launch site. SpaceX plans to catch the booster mid-air with giant metal âchopstickâ arms. That could happen about seven minutes post-liftoff.
The Starship spacecraft will keep burning its engine for another few minutes before beginning to coast.
At the end of its flight path, the spacecraft will reenter the Earthâs atmosphere and attempt to make a controlled practice landing over the Indian Ocean.
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