SpaceX Schedules Sixth Starship Flight Test for November 18
SpaceX plans to conduct its sixth Starship flight test as early as Monday, November 18. SpaceX’s test aims to further develop Starship’s capability as a fully reusable launch system, expanding on key milestones achieved in previous flights.
Launch Details and Live Broadcast Information
The launch window opens at 4:00 p.m. CT on November 18, and SpaceX will broadcast a live webcast of the event approximately 30 minutes before liftoff. Viewers can tune in on SpaceX’s official X account (@SpaceX) or through the new X TV app. As with all developmental testing, the schedule is subject to change, so SpaceX encourages checking for updates on its social media channels.
Key Objectives for SpaceX’s Sixth Flight Test
Building on the successes of the fifth flight test, SpaceX has set ambitious goals for this upcoming mission. The primary objectives include:
- Booster Return and Catch: Super Heavy, Starship’s booster, will attempt to return to the launch site, where SpaceX’s “chopstick” catch arms at Starbase will attempt a capture.
- In-Space Engine Test: Starship’s upper stage will perform an in-space burn with a single Raptor engine, an essential step for demonstrating orbital reentry and deorbit capabilities.
- Thermal Protection Testing: The flight will test experimental heat shield materials and configurations, along with operational changes for reentry to improve Starship’s durability for future missions.
These tests aim to gather data critical to achieving a fully reusable launch and landing system.
Safety Protocols and Contingency Plans
To ensure safety, the return and catch attempt will only proceed if all booster and tower systems meet stringent criteria. A manual command from the mission’s Flight Director will confirm the booster’s return. If health checks detect any issues, the booster will default to a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. During reentry, the booster’s descent will create sonic booms near the landing site, although they should produce only brief, thunder-like sounds.
Upper Stage Splashdown and Reentry Enhancements
For this test, Starship’s upper stage will follow a suborbital trajectory, with a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The flight will also focus on expanding the ship’s thermal protection by exposing areas without heat shield tiles, preparing for hardware integration in future iterations. Additionally, the flight path will include a higher angle of descent, stressing Starship’s control flaps to push their performance limits. Scheduling this launch for late afternoon allows for optimal visibility of reentry over the Indian Ocean in daylight.
Future Upgrades for Starship
SpaceX’s progress on Starship includes several design upgrades set to debut in the seventh flight test. These include larger propellant tanks, enhanced forward flaps, and a redesigned thermal protection system aimed at full reusability. As these test flights proceed, each milestone brings SpaceX closer to a fully reusable Starship system.