SpaceX completes Starship launch rehearsal ahead of first orbital test
publishers 29articles 33first reported 24 Sep, 13:52 UTCdeveloping since 24 Sep · 8 editions
SpaceX completed a wet dress rehearsal for Starship Flight 14 ahead of what the company plans to be the rocket’s first orbital test flight.
During the rehearsal, Starship was loaded with liquid propellants and taken through a simulated countdown without lifting off. The procedure checks systems including fuel lines, software and communications with the ground team, as well as propellant-offloading procedures. SpaceX announced Sept. 24 that the rehearsal was complete.
According to Engadget, the launch was scheduled for Sept. 28, with a 75-minute window opening at 8:15 a.m. Eastern time. The planned mission calls for Starship to orbit Earth six times over about 10 hours before re-entering the atmosphere and ending its flight in the ocean.
The spacecraft is also expected to carry 26 Starlink V3 satellites, the first of SpaceX’s next-generation satellites intended for its internet constellation. Yahoo Finance reported that Elon Musk said the first orbital Starship launch would carry Starlink V3 spacecraft.
Spaceflight Now reported that the Super Heavy booster had arrived at the launch pad ahead of the flight. SpaceX planned to stream the launch on X.
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