SpaceX Targets Mid-February for Next Starship Launch After Static Fire Test
SpaceX has successfully completed a critical Static Fire Test of its Super Heavy booster, paving the way for the Next Starship Launch. After the ignition of the Raptor engines in the Starbase facility in Texas, the company has already put a target window to the mid-February. The proposed mission will also help to test the reusability and payload capacity of the vehicle, which will be required in the Artemis program by NASA. Having now major technological milestones cleared, it now comes down to final vehicle stacking and obtaining the required regulatory approval of the FAA to lift-off of the launchpad in a timely manner.
Static Fire Test Success Verified
The recent ground test was the firing of the Raptor engines of the booster confirming that it was ready to fly. This test burn lasted long enough to confirm that the vehicle was structurally sound and that the flow of fuel was stable enough to enable the giant vehicle to travel to the orbit. Data collected from this Static Fire Test indicates that the hardware is performing optimally, clearing a major hurdle in the pre-launch checklist and signaling that the booster is ready for operations.
Targeting the Next Starship Launch
Having completed the engine testing, SpaceX is currently looking at a mid-February launch window. This is increasing the pace of operations at Starbase, and teams are getting ready to load the Ship onto the Super Heavy booster. The hardware is already prepared but the actual date is contingent with regulatory clearance. An effective flight in February would be an important step of cadence rise and would bring humanity towards having a multi-planetary life.
Official Post: SpaceX Official Update
