SpaceX Tests Starship Fixes After Back-to-Back Failures
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Summary
SpaceX successfully conducted a static fire test of the Starship rocket’s six Raptor engines, clearing the way for a test flight this month.
While specific targets have not been confirmed, maritime warnings and projected launch windows suggest the launch could take place as soon as 21 May.
The next flight is important after the previous two Starship flights ended prematurely when the rocket’s upper stage lost power and spun out of control.
Flight 9 aims to right the ship and get the program back on track; SpaceX originally hoped for up to 25 test flights this year, but this will likely not be met.
Future goals following Flight 9 include returning Starship from low-Earth orbit to the launch site, using a tower catch similar to that used for the Super Heavy booster.
After this, an in-space refuelling system will be used before moving on to goals set by NASA and Elon Musk.
