SpaceX has announced plans for the 14th Starship test flight, aiming to reach Earth orbit for the first time while deploying 26 third-generation Starlink satellites.
Key facts
- •The 14th Starship test flight is targeted for September 22 with a 75-minute launch window starting at 7:15 a.m. CT.
- •SpaceX plans to deploy 26 V3 Starlink satellites into an orbit 275 km above Earth.
- •The mission follows a July 24 test flight where the Super Heavy booster experienced engine issues due to ice clogging.
- •SpaceX has introduced hardware and software modifications to the booster to address previous relight failures.
- •The company will not attempt to catch the booster or the upper stage during this mission.
SpaceX is preparing for the 14th test flight of its Starship rocket, scheduled for September 22. The company intends to reach Earth orbit for the first time with the vehicle's upper stage, targeting a 75-minute launch window that opens at 7:15 a.m. CT in Texas. This mission will also carry 26 third-generation Starlink satellites into orbit, marking the first time the Starship program is expected to generate revenue.
By the numbers
Mission Objectives and Hardware Updates
The upcoming flight aims to complete six orbits around the Earth over a duration of approximately 10 hours. SpaceX has implemented several hardware and software modifications to the Super Heavy booster following issues encountered during the July 24 test flight, where ice clogging in the center engines led to a hard splashdown in the Gulf. The company stated these updates are designed to improve engine filtering and enhance relight reliability.
Strategic Goals for Starship
SpaceX views reaching orbit as a critical milestone in its efforts to develop a fully reusable, heavy-lift rocket. The company intends to eventually replace its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy fleets with Starship, provided the vehicle can fly reliably multiple times per week. Despite previous discussions, SpaceX will not attempt to catch the upper stage or the Super Heavy booster during this specific test flight to avoid potential setbacks from a failed recovery attempt.
Timeline
- April 20, 2023SpaceX conducted the first test flight of the Starship vehicle.
- July 24The 13th Starship test flight experienced engine issues during the booster's return.
- September 22SpaceX plans to conduct the 14th Starship test flight to attempt orbital insertion.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TechCrunch, Ars Technica.
