SpaceX could launch Starship Flight 7 in January

Last week, SpaceX launched Starship Flight 6 and it’s now preparing for Flight 7 in January 2025 according to a new document filed at FAA.

NASA has filed a request application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to observe the Starship Flight 7 reentry. The application has mentioned a targeted launch date of 11 January 2025.

The application mentioned that NASA wants to capture the re-entry and peak-heating events of the Starship vehicle approximately one hour after launch.

This event will occur after the vehicle descends from the sub-orbit toward the splashdown zone. The space agency will prepare for this practice starting January 3, 2025.

SpaceX Starship Lifting off (Credit – SpaceX)

Flight 6

On November 19, SpaceX flew the sixth Starship test flight. The rocket’s first stage fired 33 Raptor engines to liftoff from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. After achieving maximum altitude, the flight conducted hot-staging and separated both stages.

Subsequently, the first stage maneuvered back to Earth and the second stage fired its 6 Raptor engines to enter orbit. Meanwhile, SpaceX didn’t meet the parameters to land the booster vertically on the launch tower and deflected into the Gulf of Mexico.

The company explained that this was due to issues in the launch tower but the vehicle remained healthy.

The ship was coasting around the Earth and captured Earth for live broadcast via Starlink satellites. Nearly 40 minutes after the launch, the ship descended from the sky for atmospheric reentry.

This phase again tested the heat shield tiles and eventually reached the splash zone. Interestingly, SpaceX adjusted this flight’s launch time to conduct reentry during the daytime. This allowed the company to observe the reentry with clear visuals.

This observation will enable the company to expand tests beyond flight 6 and try a more aggressive landing next time.

Also, it will ensure the vehicle’s safety and system functionality to attempt vertical landing on the launch pad with Flight 7 or 8 next year. Furthermore, SpaceX will also attempt a booster catch during Starship Flight 7.

(source)