Elon Musk’s SpaceX is testing the launch of Starship, a next-generation rocket standing over 400 feet tall—the largest ever built. Starship will carry both crew and cargo to space, and it will be equipped with a fully reusable system, so that it can return to Earth post-mission. SpaceX will use a “chopsticks” technique to retrieve the returning rocket. They will launch from a base outside of Brownsville, Texas.
SpaceX announces 30-minute launch window for Starship — 8:35 PM EST
SpaceX announced there will be a fifth flight test for Starship today via X. The 30-minute launch window will open at 9 p.m. EST.
City of Brownsville warns residents of “sonic booms” — 8:42 PM EST
The city of Brownsville, TX, notified its residents of the potential “sonic booms” that would be caused by the fifth test flight of Starship on their website. They stated, “the sounds are a result of the Starship vehicle slowing down from supersonic speeds before landing on the launch pad.” According to the announcement, the test flight will be an essential step for SpaceX to advancing reusable systems.
SpaceX will attempt a “chopsticks” landing for Sunday’s launch — 8:53 PM EST
SpaceX will try to catch the rocket’s booster out of the air as it arrives at the landing tower, which will have a giant pair of metallic arms ready to grip the booster. Their aim is to have the booster in position to refuel before its next launch without having to transport it back to the launchpad. More information about the landing maneuver can be found here.
WATCH: Official launch video of Starship — 9:04 PM EST
“Chopsticks” successfully grabs Starship booster — 9:07 PM EST
Leave a Reply