Giant rocket Starship: SpaceX postpones next test flight again
Shortly before the planned launch of the giant Starship rocket, it was stopped again, now it is supposed to happen overnight – if a problem is fixed.
Assembling the rocket
(Image: SpaceX)
SpaceX has again canceled the launch of the latest version of the Starship V3 heavy-lift rocket. If a problem with a hydraulic bolt can be fixed, it is now scheduled to lift off on Saturday night. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced this; originally, the giant rocket was supposed to lift off on Thursday night. Because the launch falls in the weeks before the highly anticipated record IPO of SpaceX, this time the success of the test will be followed particularly closely. It is unclear whether the space travel company is therefore being more cautious in its preparations than usual.
Even higher
The new version of the giant rocket is one meter taller than its predecessor, which was already the largest in history. In total, it is now 124 m high. Thanks to a revised propulsion system, the rocket is also supposed to be more powerful. The Starship V3 can also be refueled in space, which is a prerequisite for upcoming NASA moon missions. SpaceX has also built a new launch pad for the giant rocket, which should make it easier to catch the first stage after launch. However, this is not planned for this test.
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The Starship consists of the approximately 72-meter-long booster “Super Heavy” and an approximately 52-meter-long upper stage. The rocket is designed so that the spacecraft and rocket can be reused after returning to Earth. It is intended to carry astronauts to the moon for NASA. However, SpaceX is already promising flights to Mars. In April 2023, a complete Starship lifted off for the first time but remained intact for only a few minutes. Six months later, the second launch attempt was successful before the rocket exploded again. Four more followed in 2024, three of them successful. The Starship exploded in three launches last year, followed by two successful tests.
(mho)
