The next launch of Starship is already here. A feat many had doubted was even possible, but the sixth launch of a reusable large scale rocket, capable of taking more payload to orbit than any other ship currently in production, is taking off from Starbase on November 19th. The sixth flight test of Starship is targeted to launch Tuesday, November 19. The 30-minute launch window will open at 4:00 p.m. CT.
With each launch the crowd around the Starbase grows. Space enthusiasts travel from across the country, and some from around the world, to watch the engineering marvel take off, and of all things, land in the same place, intact.
What makes this an exceptional wonder is that it’s the maximum size possible to leave Earth’s gravity well. It’s large enough to take a crew, possibly to Mars, as well as fuel for long-term trips, as well as equipment.
Over the previous five iterations, the ship itself has been improved upon. The heat shield, composed of individual hexagonal ceramic tiles, now fully protects the sensitive thinner layer of steel beneath. Each tile is capable of replacement, an essential component of rapid reusability.
The engines themselves are the most advanced version of the raptor models. After reaching the necessary altitude with 33 raptor engines, and after the first stage separates from the Starship, three of the Super Heavy’s Raptor engines ignite for the boostback burn, angling the booster back towards the launch site.
At this point the second stage thrusts into orbit while the first stage flips and lands back at the launchpad where it is caught by mechanical arms. This allows for a reduction in size of the booster by obviating the need for landing legs.
Once the Starship is fully in orbit, it travels some distance before returning. Previous flights had the ship landing in the Indian Ocean, while the future goal is to potentially land this stage as well.
The reason behind this is two-fold. First, the gravity of Earth is such that leaving Earth is much harder than leaving the Moon or Mars – two near term SpaceX goals. The second is that for rapid reusability the rocket will need to land on a pad. Whether it’s carrying people or payload, it’s costly and time consuming to recover the ship from the Ocean.
The Starship launch will also have a first that no other Starship launch will have previously had; a Presidential audience. President Trump is expected to witness the launch in person, which is likely to increase visibility for the American space company that brings more cargo to orbit than all other companies combined.
A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX.
Watch Starship’s sixth flight test → https://t.co/oIFc3u9laE https://t.co/acpdO2brbP
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 16, 2024
