Additional Coverage:
- SpaceX photos show Starship stacked and ready to launch (digitaltrends.com)
SpaceX Prepares for 11th Starship Launch from Boca Chica, Texas
BOCA CHICA, Texas – SpaceX is gearing up for its eleventh Starship rocket flight test, with a launch window set to open Monday at 6:15 p.m. CT from its Starbase facility near Boca Chica. The aerospace company, led by Elon Musk, has been busy with final preparations, including the dramatic stacking of the Starship’s upper stage atop its Super Heavy booster.
Photos released by SpaceX over the weekend captured the impressive sight of the fully assembled Starship against the Texas sunset. This upcoming launch is particularly notable as it’s planned to be the final flight from Pad 1 at Starbase in its current configuration, marking a potential shift in the testing program.
Local residents and space enthusiasts alike have been flocking to the Boca Chica beach area, taking advantage of the open access ahead of the launch. “Rocket and beach fans alike” were seen enjoying the views and the anticipation of witnessing the most powerful rocket ever built blast off.
Similar to its tenth flight in August, this mission aims for soft, controlled landings in the water for both the Ship and the Super Heavy booster. While these are test landings, the ultimate goal for the Super Heavy is to return to the launch site for a vertical landing, a feat SpaceX has successfully achieved with its Falcon 9 rockets.
The Starship upper stage is also designed for reusability, capable of landing upright at its future destinations, including the Moon and Mars. This full reusability is a cornerstone of Starship’s design, promising to drastically reduce the cost of spaceflight.
Looking ahead, SpaceX is also constructing a new Starship launch facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The first launch from this East Coast site is anticipated next year, pending construction completion and environmental reviews for such a powerful vehicle.
For Monday’s test, weather conditions are looking promising, with an 80% favorability forecast for launch. All eyes will be on Starbase as SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.
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- SpaceX photos show Starship stacked and ready to launch (digitaltrends.com)