Countdown to Liftoff: SpaceX Set to Launch its Starship Rocket Again on November 17!
Despite a less than successful initial test flight, SpaceX’s Starship project has been granted approval by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), offering a glimmer of optimism. Elon Musk’s company will proceed with a second test launch to determine if the problems encountered during the first flight have been rectified. The launch is scheduled for tomorrow, November 17, within a limited two-hour timeframe.
For the uninitiated, the Starship rocket, along with the Super Heavy vehicle, is SpaceX’s next-generation space transportation system with a long-term vision of transporting humans to Mars. However, these are early days and the company is trying to figure out how to achieve an effective launch cycle. The second test release is expected to give the company a big push to test it.
SpaceX gets permission to perform the second launch of the Starship rocket
In an emailed statement, agency officials wrote: “The FAA has authorized the second launch of the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy vehicle. The FAA said SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements.
In an X release, SpaceX’s official account confirmed the same and said, “Targeting Friday, November 17th for the second flight test of Starship. The two-hour launch window opens at 7:00 AM CT. That means the launch will take place at 6:30 PM IST. You can follow the event live on all social media platforms , where SpaceX has an official account, as well as on their website.
During the first test launch on April 20, the Starship rocket suffered several points of failure. These include the failure to separate the two stages, which led to the deliberate destruction of the Super Heavy vehicle over the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the liftoff caused damage to the Starbase, creating a crater under the orbital launch pad and spreading concrete and debris into the surrounding area.
According to a Space.com report, SpaceX has installed a water deluge system under the orbital launch pad to prevent excessive heat from affecting the launch pad. A reinforced steel plate has also been added.
