What SpaceX aiming to achieve with third Starship launch?

SpaceX has received approval from the FAA for the third Starship launch but what exactly does the rocket coming want to achieve with this new flight test?

Before moving to the new aim, we need to know something about the two prior tests.

First Flight:

The first Starship launch vehicle was tested on April 20, 2023, and it successfully performed a liftoff from the orbital launch pad.

The Super Heavy’s engine had some faults as only 30 of the 33 raptor engines fired during the ignition. Then the vehicle scattered into the air after a call for stage separation.

Second Flight:

During the first flight, Super Heavy damaged the launch area. SpaceX added several new improvements to the pad including a water deluge system to reduce thrust pressure and provide stability for liftoff.

The second flight cleared the launch pad with all of its 33 raptor engines. The integrated stage separation became the biggest outcome of this test flight.

Soon after the stage separation, the second stage carried the mission for about 6-7 minutes with its 6-raptor engine. Later the test flight broke connection with the mission control followed by an in-air blast.

Third Flight:

SpaceX says that the third flight combines the data collected from the first and second tests. This time, the company wants to achieve “ambitious” objections including successful ascent burn for both stages.

There will be a payload this time and SpaceX wants to perform the deployment stage. There’s also NASA’s propellant transfer demonstration during the second stage’s coast phase.

The two other milestones of the mission are the re-light of a Raptor engine in space and a controlled reentry of the Starship spacecraft. After completing these milestones, the Starship will make its way for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

The rocket maker expects that the new technologies such as in-space engine burns will increase space flight capability.

These are surely some new milestones that the company is looking to complete and the first launch window for Starship 3 is opened on March 14.