SpaceX works under an iterative testing philosophy, using each mission to improve upon the next.
The companyslivestream will be made available on X, with the broadcast beginning at 7:30 a.m.
ET and the launch happening at 8:00 a.m. Starship remains an experimental rocket, and as such, success is not guaranteed.
Starship during its second test flight, November 18, 2023.Photo: SpaceX
SpaceX has identified several key goals for the third flight.
Eventually, SpaceX plans to use Starship tankers for orbital refueling, using an approach similar to aerial refueling.
This test flight will also see Starship fly on a different trajectory than its two predecessors.
Key stages of Starship’s third fully integrated flight test.Graphic: SpaceX
The boosters boostback burn is slated to start at 2 minutes and 55 seconds.
Meanwhile, Starship will be on a trajectory heading toward the Indian Ocean.
A landing burn for the upper stage doesnt appear to be part of the plan.
These timelines assume a successful mission, of course.
Failure could happen at any point, but hopefully not.
Want to know more about Elon Musks space venture?
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