ELON Musk’s SpaceX has plans to launch the second-ever test of its Starship rocket.
Blast-off is planned for Friday, November 17 from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas.
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It’s scheduled to happen sometime between 8 am EST and 10 am EST (1pm to 3pm GMT)
Representatives from SpaceX told locals that they may hear a “loud noise” after the rocket’s lift-off.
The entire process begins at 7:30 am EST, (12:30 GMT) which is also the time SpaceX will launch its webcast.
Around 10 minutes after that, Starship’s 39 Raptor engines are due to chill ahead of ignition, Space.com noted.
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Then, ten seconds before launch, SpaceX is expected to activate the water deluge system.
“As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our X account for updates,” SpaceX writes in its mission description.
The company explained that Starship’s first flight test, which happened on April 20 of this year, provided numerous lessons learned.
These lessons “directly contributed to several upgrades to both the vehicle and ground infrastructure to improve the probability of success on future flights,” SpaceX explained.
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For example, the second flight test will debut a hot-stage separation system.
It will also feature a new electronic Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system for Super Heavy Raptor engines.
Moreover, the mission is providing reinforcements to the pad foundation and a water-cooled steel flame deflector, among many other enhancements,” SpaceX noted.
“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 company added.
Since its first launch, Starship has been grounded by the US Federal Aviation Association (FAA).
The FAA demanded 63 compulsory changes before allowing Musk to relaunch the rocket after it exploded on April 20.
Musk thinks Starship has a “decent chance” of reaching orbit this time around.
Walter Isaacson, author of Elon Musk’s biography, said on X: “Starship is the most powerful rocket ever made.
“It’s designed to carry 100 people to Mars.”
Viewers can watch the flight on SpaceX’s website, as well as SpaceX’s account on X, formerly Twitter.
