The first two Starship flight tests ended in an explosive fashion. Now, SpaceX has set a date and time for its third launch attempt.
SpaceX is about to attempt the third test flight for its Starship vehicle and Super Heavy rocket booster. It’s scheduled to lift off from the company’s Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas, during a 110-minute launch window beginning at 8AM ET on Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, the FAA granted SpaceX a launch license, clearing the way for this third attempt.
On Thursday morning, the targeted launch time was delayed a few times and is currently scheduled for 9:25AM ET.
This latest Starship test follows two failed attempts last year, with the rocket spinning out of control before exploding around four minutes after launch in April, followed by a second attempt in November that similarly ended in flames.
If all goes well, the Starship will attempt to relight its Raptor engines in space and eventually splash down in the Indian Ocean about an hour after takeoff.