SpaceX finally gears up for crucial Starship launch

TEXAS (TechtUSA) - According to a flight notice, SpaceX is preparing to launch its massive Starship rocket as early as next Monday. This rocket, which stands at a height of 120 metres, is a vital component of Elon Musk's plans to establish a colony on Mars. In fact, SpaceX has already signed agreements with NASA to use the rocket to transport astronauts to the Moon.

However, before it can be used to ferry any crew or cargo, the Starship must first successfully complete an orbital flight test. This test will involve the rocket lifting off from SpaceX's Starbase facility located in Texas and subsequently landing in the ocean near Hawaii. It is an essential step in ensuring that the rocket is safe and functional enough for its intended purpose.

SpaceX announces potential April launch for Starship spacecraft

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently released a planning notice, which indicates that the SpaceX Starship rocket launch is scheduled for April 10. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, backup launch dates have also been set for April 11 and 12.

“The FAA has not made a licence determination for the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy operation, and the FAA’s Command Center planning notice should not be interpreted as an indicator that a determination to issue a licence has been made or is forthcoming,” SpaceX stated. 

Now, SpaceX announced via Twitter that their Starship rocket, measuring nearly 400-feet in height, has been fully stacked at the company's Starbase launch facility in Texas. They further stated that a launch rehearsal will be conducted next week, and if everything goes according to plan and regulatory clearance is granted, an integrated flight test would be scheduled a week later. This could potentially result in a launch as early as April 17.

Starship fully stacked at Starbase. Team is working towards a launch rehearsal next week followed by Starship’s first integrated flight test ~week later pending regulatory approval pic.twitter.com/9VbJLppswp

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 6, 2023

Starship will be first test mission of 394-Foot tall starship rocket system

SpaceX's upcoming test mission will feature the inaugural launch of its massive Starship rocket system, comprising of a 394-foot tall Starship and a "Super Heavy" first stage booster powered by 33 rocket engines.

The rocket is set to lift off from SpaceX's Starbase facilities in Texas, deploying the Starship second stage into orbit before re-entering Earth's atmosphere and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii.

Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster will attempt a landing near its launch site in Texas. Elon Musk's vision for Starship is to create a fully reusable transportation system that can transport both crew and cargo to various destinations, including Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.