Elon Musk’s SpaceX will make its second attempt to launch the world’s most powerful rocket system on Thursday.
Starship’s first orbital test flight was scheduled for Monday but was canceled After suffering a breakdown moments before takeoff.
‘Learned a lot’ – Starship launch failure
Musk sets low expectations for first launchsaying it was a “fundamentally difficult thing” and “success should not be expected”.
But there’s no question he’s hoping this time, too, will be the largest rocket system ever to reach orbit.
The launch will take place from south Texas between 8.28am local time (2.28pm UK time) and 9.30am (3.30pm UK time) on Thursday.
Starship is waiting on the launch pad in Boca Chica, atop a massive Super Heavy booster with a total height of 120 meters.
Super Heavy booster with 33 rocket motors Successful stationary launch test in Februarygenerating enough energy to reach orbit.
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What happens after the rocket lifts off?
If takeoff goes according to plan, Starship itself will be deployed into orbit.
This is part of the rocket system that Musk hopes will carry astronauts in the future, and NASA has contracted to use it Bringing humans back to the moon with its Artemis program.
No one, not even a satellite, was on board Thursday, and no landing will be attempted.
The Super Heavy — this time a prototype called Booster 7 — will be jettisoned into the Gulf of Mexico, while Starship itself will complete a full Earth orbit and splash into the Pacific Ocean after re-entering the atmosphere.
Starship’s first orbital test comes after U.S. flight regulators granted SpaceX a five-year license, saying it met all safety and environmental requirements.
If Monday’s attempt is successful, thousands of people will be at the launch site to watch.