As of: March 12, 2024, 1:39 p.m
By: Tanja Banner
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SpaceX wants to test the world's largest rocket, the "Starship", again.
This time there are goals on the agenda that experts will be taking a close look at.
Boca Chica – The currently largest rocket in the world is 121 meters high and consists of two parts: the first rocket stage, called “Super Heavy” and the second rocket stage, the “Starship”.
Both parts together make up the huge rocket “Starship”, which is currently being tested by the private US space company SpaceX.
After two test flights, each of which ended in explosions, the third “Starship” test flight is now imminent.
SpaceX says it has not yet received a license from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but that is apparently only a matter of time.
Because SpaceX has already announced the planned date for the third test flight: If the FAA license is received, the “Starship” will take off for the third time on March 14, 2024.
There is no time yet for the rocket launch.
According to SpaceX, a livestream will begin 30 minutes before the rocket launches.
SpaceX tests giant rocket “Starship”: So far the test flights have ended in explosions
According to SpaceX, the third test flight of the “Starship” is about achieving some “ambitious goals”.
These include the successful ascent of both rocket stages, the opening and closing of the Starship payload door, the first re-ignition of a Raptor engine in space and a controlled re-entry of the Starship.
One of the goals will also be closely monitored by the US space organization NASA: SpaceX wants to test the transfer of fuel in flight for the first time.
This technology is needed if the “Starship” is to take people to the moon for the first time in 2026 at the earliest.
The fact that SpaceX is lagging behind in its tests was one reason why NASA had to postpone the next planned moon landing from 2025 to 2026 just a few months ago.
Experts are now taking a closer look at how far SpaceX has come with the critical issue of fuel transfer in flight.
“Starship” will fly to the moon and Mars in the future
A new trajectory is also planned for the third “Starship” test flight.
So far, the giant rocket was supposed to crash into the sea near Hawaii.
Now the flight path takes the “Starship” into the Indian Ocean – if it even gets that far.
In the previous test flights, the upper rocket stage exploded both times.
The new trajectory will allow SpaceX to test new technologies and “maximize public safety,” as the company writes.
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SpaceX’s “Starship” is waiting to be launched.
© Screenshot SpaceX/X
SpaceX's "Starship" should make it possible to colonize the planet Mars in the future - one of the great visions of SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
At the same time, the spacecraft is intended to transport people to the moon for the first time for NASA.
But until then it is still a long way.
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