SpaceX is gearing up for Starship’s sixth flight test on November 18, after a successful prior mission that included a historic Super Heavy booster catch and a controlled Starship splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The test aims to repeat these feats, with added upgrades like more propulsion redundancy and new software controls. This mission will also trial upper-stage reentry heat shields and test re-lighting a Raptor engine on orbit, crucial for future reusability. A live webcast of the event will start 30 minutes before the launch window opens at 2 p.m. PT.
SpaceX is gearing up for Starship’s sixth flight test on November 18, after a successful prior mission that included a historic Super Heavy booster catch and a controlled Starship splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The test aims to repeat these feats, with added upgrades like more propulsion redundancy and new software controls. This mission will also trial upper-stage reentry heat shields and test re-lighting a Raptor engine on orbit, crucial for future reusability. A live webcast of the event will start 30 minutes before the launch window opens at 2 p.m. PT.