SpaceX ramps up again for Starship’s third flight test SatNews – SatNews

SpaceXs third flight test of Starship could launch as soon as March 14, pending regulatory approval.

A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which can be viewed on X @SpaceX. As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, X account will provide updates.

Starships second flight test achieved a number of major milestones and provided invaluable data to continue rapidly developing Starship. Each of these flight tests continue to be just that: a test. They arent occurring in a lab or on a test stand, but are putting flight hardware in a flight environment to maximize learning. A SpaceX Super Heavy Starship cost $90 million to build in 2024.

The third flight test aims to build on what has been learned from previous flights while attempting a number of ambitious objectives, including the successful ascent burn of both stages, opening and closing Starships payload door, a propellant transfer demonstration during the upper stages coast phase, the first ever re-light of a Raptor engine while in space, and a controlled reentry of Starship.

It will also fly a new trajectory, with Starship targeted to splashdown in the Indian Ocean. This new flight path enables SpaceX to attempt new techniques such as in-space engine burns while maximizing public safety.

This rapid iterative development approach has been the basis for all of SpaceXs major innovative advancements, including Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink. Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, help humanity return to the Moon, and ultimately travel to Mars and beyond.

The rest is here:

SpaceX ramps up again for Starship's third flight test SatNews - SatNews