Mission Objectives
- Super Heavy Booster Catch: Return the booster to the launch site and catch it using the chopstick arms on the launch tower.
- Raptor Engine Reignition in Space: Demonstrate an in-space burn using a single Raptor engine, a critical capability for future orbital missions.
- Heatshield Testing: Evaluate new thermal protection materials and configurations, including sections with intentionally removed heatshield tiles.
- Descent and Reentry Enhancements: Test higher angle-of-attack descent profiles to push flap control limits and gather data for future landing profiles.
- Booster Safety Protocols: If conditions are not ideal, execute a safe splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico as a fallback.
- Structural and Redundancy Upgrades: Validate hardware upgrades for booster propulsion systems, structural strength, and propellant offloading post-catch.
- Improved Software Systems: Test updated software controls and commit criteria for launch, return, and catch operations.
- Daylight Reentry Observations: Conduct reentry over the Indian Ocean in daylight for better visual observation and data collection.
- Data Collection for Future Iterations: Generate valuable flight data to inform upgrades for the seventh flight and beyond, including redesigned forward flaps and enhanced thermal protection systems.
The Starship’s sixth launch is set to mark yet another groundbreaking milestone in the evolution of space exploration. Scheduled as early as Tuesday, November 19, from Starbase in Texas, this flight test represents a pivotal step in SpaceX’s relentless pursuit of a fully reusable spacecraft system. The 30-minute launch window opens at 4:00 p.m. CT, but as with all developmental testing, the timeline remains fluid. Be sure to stay updated through spacex.com and the SpaceX X account for real-time developments.
SpaceX is offering a live webcast for enthusiasts and professionals alike, starting 30 minutes before liftoff. You can catch this streaming event on spacex.com, the SpaceX X account, or the brand-new X TV app. The excitement around this test launch stems from the cumulative success of previous iterations, notably the fifth flight test that showcased a seamless Super Heavy booster return to the launch site and an impressive chopstick catch by the Starbase launch and catch tower.
The upcoming flight test seeks to expand Starship’s capabilities, aiming to perfect reuse of the entire system. Among the objectives are a successful booster return and catch at the launch site, reigniting a Raptor engine while in space, and testing advanced heatshield designs alongside maneuvering strategies for ship reentry over the Indian Ocean. Each of these maneuvers underscores SpaceX’s commitment to innovation and rigorous testing to achieve an unparalleled standard of reusability.
Key advancements for this test include enhancements to booster propulsion systems for added redundancy, stronger structural integrity in critical areas, and streamlined processes for propellant offloading post-catch. Software updates for improved control systems and booster return criteria further illustrate the precision and care involved in these missions. A vital safety measure remains intact: if conditions for the booster return and catch are deemed unsuitable, the booster will execute a safe splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, reinforcing SpaceX’s commitment to safety above all else.
The upper stage of Starship will follow a suborbital trajectory similar to the previous flight, concluding with a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. A major addition this time is the attempt to ignite a single Raptor engine in space, paving the way for deorbit burn capabilities required for future orbital missions. This data-rich approach to testing ensures that every flight contributes invaluable insights to refine both vehicle design and operational strategies.
This mission will also push the boundaries of thermal protection systems by removing specific heat shield tiles to analyze their impact and performance. Purposefully testing flap controls under high-stress scenarios during descent will further enhance SpaceX’s understanding of landing profiles. By targeting daylight reentry over the Indian Ocean, visual observations will provide clearer data for researchers and engineers to analyze.
Looking ahead, the seventh Starship flight test will incorporate significant upgrades such as redesigned forward flaps, larger propellant tanks, and advanced heatshield technologies. These continual improvements bring SpaceX closer to achieving its vision of a fully reusable spacecraft that can carry out missions efficiently and reliably.
As SpaceX gears up for another bold step, the excitement within the space community is palpable. With every test, Starship advances closer to revolutionizing space travel. Join us in cheering for this groundbreaking mission. Go Starship! Go SpaceX!