SpaceX Founder and CEO Elon Musk said that the Starship test flight 4 could fly in next month. His revelation comes as the company tests a new launch vehicle to complete preparations.
Earlier today, SpaceX posted a video of the third flight test with highlights from the mission and a teaser for the next flight on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. This post was quoted by the SpaceX chief with a “Flight 4 next month” caption.
On March 14, SpaceX flew the Starship integrated vehicle for the third time. Prior to the third attempt, SpaceX launched two test flights last year. The first cleared ground on liftoff but only touched the upper atmosphere.
The second flight lifted off with all engines and conducted a stage separation. The second stage also ignited its raptor engines. However, the second attempt also met its demise a few minutes later.
Last month the company completed a liftoff, marked stage separation, and performed boost back maneuver on the super heavy. Later parts of the test include a successful raptor engine burn on the second stage and reaching the orbit.
The company demonstrated propellant transfer technology and payload door opening and closing. The vehicle then entered the Earth’s atmosphere to endure maximum entry pressure.
The mission finale happened in the air before completing the landing as planned. Similarly, the super heavy booster also failed to land in its planned zone.
SpaceX Starship at Starbase (Credit – SpaceX)
Next Test Objectives:
The company aims to resume where the last mission left off. It aims to achieve an on-orbit engine ignition demonstration and a successful touchdown of both stages.
Meanwhile, SpaceX still requires Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to launch Starship Test Flight 4 by next month. However, the rocket company is conducting a mishap investigation on a recent mission and it might conclude by April. This will bring us to a possible flight window in May.