SpaceX
SpaceX Starship 6 could fly as early as November 18
SpaceX could fly the Starship Flight 6 by mid-November reveals the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
FAA has mentioned that the flight test could be attempted at the earliest on November 18 and NOTAM will serve onward for the next week.
In August this year, SpaceX announced Flight 5 readiness and waiting for the FAA’s approval to conduct this flight. However, the flight was announced delayed due to some changes in plans. In the following month, It static-fired Starship 6’s first stage.
Last month, SpaceX launched Integrated Flight 5 and achieved major success in two areas. That includes the first stage catch with the launch tower arms.
In the past few months, the rocket maker has practiced the catch many times and made so many improvements to the launch vehicle as well as the ground support.
These preparations helped the firm to achieve success in this first attempt. On the other hand, the upper stage carried new heat shield tiles to endure heat during descent to make the splashdown successful.
With Flight 5’s successes, SpaceX is ready for Flight 6 and it has already test-fired a new super-heavy booster to launch this new mission.
Primary objectives for this new flight are not confirmed but the company is mostly likely to focus on the second stage and polish the first stage catch. SpaceX will carry more tests on both stages to ensure safety and flight readiness.