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SpaceX Prepares for Fourth Starship Test Flight
SpaceX is gearing up for the next test of its Starship spacecraft, a fully reusable megarocket designed to travel to the Moon and Mars. The last test flight took place in March, and now the company is ready for the fourth attempt.
The launch window for the upcoming flight test opens as early as 8 a.m. ET on Thursday. You can watch the livestream on SpaceX’s website or on the company’s X account.
SpaceX first revealed plans for the 400-foot Starship in 2017, with the initial launch attempt taking place in April 2023. Unfortunately, that test ended in failure, prompting further investigation by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Despite setbacks, SpaceX received approval for a second flight in November, which showed improved performance before encountering issues that led to explosions. The FAA’s evaluation highlighted the absence of critical safety concerns, paving the way for the upcoming test.
With lessons learned from previous flights, SpaceX has implemented software and hardware upgrades to enhance the Starship’s capabilities. Operational changes are also being made to optimize performance during the fourth test.
Following a wet dress rehearsal on May 23, SpaceX is confident in the progress made. The company aims to gather valuable data from the upcoming flight, bringing the vision of a fully reusable transportation system closer to reality.
According to SpaceX, the ultimate goal is to develop a reliable system for transporting crew and cargo to various destinations, including Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
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