Key Takeaways
- SpaceX’s fifth Starship test flight aims to demonstrate the reusability of the Starship spacecraft and its Super Heavy booster rocket.
- The test flight will attempt to catch the Starship’s first-stage booster rocket on its return to the launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas.
- The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing SpaceX’s new information submitted for its proposed fifth test flight.
Washington: SpaceX expects to receive federal regulatory approval to launch its fifth Starship Super Heavy rocket this weekend in Texas, the company said in a statement on Friday.
This test flight will be notable because it will be the company’s first ever attempt to catch Starship’s first-stage booster rocket on its return to the launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas. The launch tower has retractable arms that will be used to catch the rocket as it descends on the launch pad.
“Starship stacked ahead of its fifth flight test. We expect regulatory approval in time to fly on October 13,” the company said.
SpaceX is designing the Starship spacecraft and its Super Heavy booster rocket to be reusable for multi-planetary missions to the Moon and Mars.
The company previously noted that the catch attempt will only be possible if conditions are right. If SpaceX aborts the catch attempt at the launch tower, the Super Heavy booster will simulate a landing attempt in the Gulf of Mexico.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing SpaceX’s new information submitted for its proposed fifth test flight. They will make a licensing determination once SpaceX meets all requirements.
