Elon Musk predicts that SpaceX will be able to land an intact Starship in the ocean after re-entry.
SpaceX's Starship is set for its fifth test flight in approximately four weeks.
Starship has significantly improved the heat shield on the upper stage by adding an ablative second layer between the tiles and metal skin.
SpaceX's Starship is set for its fifth test flight in approximately four weeks, according to Elon Musk. The rocket, which consists of a reusable first-stage booster named Super Heavy and a 165-foot-tall upper-stage spacecraft called Starship or Ship, has already undergone four tests. The most recent launch on June 6, 2024, was successful with both parts separating and returning to Earth as planned. For the upcoming test flight, SpaceX aims to bring the Super Heavy booster back for a pinpoint landing on Starbase's launch mount using the facility's 'chopstick' arms.
Starship has performed better on each successive test flight. The first three flights experienced various issues, but the fourth one went entirely according to plan. This success has allowed for a relatively quick turnaround for Flight 5, as there are fewer issues to analyze ahead of the next launch and no mishap investigation required from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
The fifth test flight will mark an exciting new development if successful: SpaceX's goal is to bring the giant booster back for a precise landing on Starbase, increasing Starship's flight cadence and enabling faster inspections, refurbishments, and relaunches.
SpaceX has significantly improved the heat shield on the Starship upper stage by adding an ablative second layer between the tiles and metal skin. This enhancement is expected to prevent any damage to the metal skin or main components during re-entry. Elon Musk predicts that SpaceX will be able to land an intact Starship in the ocean after re-entry, setting the stage for a Mechazilla booster catch and an attempted Starship catch in the near future.
