SpaceX is preparing for its eighth spaceship launch, focusing on the Super Heavy booster and the second stage known as “ship” at its Starbase facility in Texas. Recently, a successful static test fire of both vehicles was conducted, with all 33 Raptor engines of the Super Heavy firing during the simulation. Following this, engine testing for the ship was completed, which involved simulating various flight conditions.
The upcoming integrated test flight (IFT-8) will see the booster and ship stacked to create a towering 403-foot structure. Previous test flight IFT-7 had mixed results, with a successful booster recovery but loss of communication with the ship and its subsequent destruction upon re-entry. SpaceX aims for a more successful IFT-8, anticipated to launch by the end of February, pending FAA approval.
This mission will be the second launch in 2025 for SpaceX as it navigates increased scrutiny and aims for operational missions, including NASA’s Artemis 3 mission scheduled for 2027, which plans to use a Starship to land astronauts on the moon. Despite some delays, SpaceX hopes to achieve its goal of 25 launches in the year.
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