S. Texas, Jan 17, (V7N) - SpaceX's Starship megarocket is gearing up for its first flight test of the year, potentially launching as early as on Thursday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a launch license for this flight test on December 17, clearing the way for SpaceX to launch its massive rocket from South Texas. This flight will be the seventh overall test for the 400-foot-tall Starship.

After two delays, the launch is expected to happen as SpaceX works to ramp up Starship testing in 2025, pending approval from federal regulators. Starship, which consists of the 165-foot spacecraft and the 232-foot Super Heavy rocket, is designed to become a fully reusable transportation system for carrying humans and cargo to Earth’s orbit, the moon, and eventually Mars.

Key Details on the Upcoming Starship Test Flight:

Launch Date and Time: SpaceX is aiming to launch the Starship on Thursday, with the launch window opening at 5 p.m. EST.

Location: The flight will take place from SpaceX's Starbase launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, near Brownsville.

Previous Delays: The launch, originally scheduled for Monday, was pushed to Wednesday and then again to Thursday due to inclement weather.

Live Stream: SpaceX will livestream the test flight starting 35 minutes before liftoff. The webcast will be available on SpaceX’s website, on social media platform X, and on the new X TV app.

This test flight will mark the second time in a row that SpaceX has targeted a late-afternoon launch, aiming for optimal visual conditions. Previous tests were scheduled in the morning.

Key Features of the Starship's Latest Test Flight:

Upgrades: This new version of Starship includes upgrades to its upper stage, propulsion system, and heat shield.

Starlink Payload Test: For the first time, SpaceX will attempt to deploy a Starlink payload, a key capability for the Starship in future missions.

Booster Catch Attempt: SpaceX plans to try to catch the Super Heavy rocket booster at the launch pad once again. The booster will be equipped with a Raptor engine from the booster that successfully launched and returned during Starship’s fifth flight test in October. If successful, this maneuver will create sonic booms in the area surrounding the landing zone.

Raptor Engine Reuse: SpaceX will also attempt to reignite the Raptor engines in space and perform an orbital burn, a crucial step in landing the vehicle back on Earth.

As with all development tests, the schedule may change, so SpaceX urges the public to stay updated on their social media channels for the latest information.

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