SpaceX - Starship Flight Test 4 - OLP-A - Starbase/Texas - Space Affairs Live

Launch Date: June 6, 2024 Launch Time: TBD 7:00 a.m. CDT, 1200 UTC, 14:00 CEST Launch Window: Opens 7:00 a.m. CDT - Closes 9:00 a.m. CDT Launch Status: Scheduled and announced Launch Provider: SpaceX Launcher System: Starship-Super Heavy (Prototype) - (Vehicles: Starship 29 & Booster 11) Flight: Suborbital Test Flight Mission: Starship Flight 4 Launch Location: Orbital Launch Pad A (OLP-A), Starbase, Texas, USA Starship’s third flight test achieved several significant milestones and provided invaluable data to continue rapidly developing Starship. Each of these flight tests continues to be just that: a test. They don’t occur in a lab or on a test stand but put flight hardware in a flight environment to maximize learning. SpaceX is testing hardware “in flight, “ meaning there is no plan to run months or years-long simulations; they learn by doing it. This significantly decreases the time and budget for such projects. Also, the difference in SpaceX’s development is that they think about producing spaceships and rockets like at a production line on an industrial level. The Starship Test Flight 3 is here: The 4th flight test aims to build on what SpaceX learned from previous flights while attempting many ambitious objectives, including the successful ascent burn of both stages, opening and closing Starship’s payload door, a propellant transfer demonstration during the upper stage’s coast phase, the first ever re-light of a Raptor engine while in space, and a controlled reentry of Starship. It also flew a new trajectory, with Starship targeted to splashdown in the Indian Ocean. This latest flight path enables SpaceX to attempt new techniques like in-space engine burns while maximizing public safety. This rapid iterative development approach has been the basis for SpaceX’s significant innovative advancements, including Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink. Recursive improvement is essential as SpaceX builds a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying crew and cargo to Earth orbit, helping humanity return to the Moon and travel to Mars and beyond. As with all developmental testing, this schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so stay tuned to our social media channels for updates. A more specific list of objectives they want to achieve in the 4th Star Ship Test Flight will be available here when SpaceX announces it. Overview: Height: 120 m / 394 ft Diameter: 9 m / 30 ft Payload to LEO: 100 t / 220 klb Starship is the fully reusable spacecraft and the second stage of the Starship system. It offers an integrated payload section and can carry passengers and cargo to Earth orbit, planetary destinations, and between destinations on Earth. Starship Height: 50 m / 164 ft Diameter: 9 m / 30 ft Propellant Capacity: 1200 t / 2.6 Mlb Thrust: 1500 tf / Payload Capacity: 100 -150 t orbit dependent Super Heavy The first stage, or booster, of a next-generation launch system has a gross liftoff mass of over 3 million kg and uses sub-cooled liquid methane and liquid oxygen (lCH4/LOX) propellants. The booster will return to the launch site, be positioned over the umbilical tower of the OLP, and be grabbed by unique arms named “MechZilla.“ Height: 69 m / 230 ft Diameter: 9 m / 30 ft Propellant Capacity: 3400 t / 6.8 Mlb Thrust: 7590 tf / 17 Mlbf Payload The Starship payload fairing is 9 m in diameter and 18 m high, resulting in the most significant usable payload volume of any current or in-development launcher. This payload volume can be configured for both crew and cargo. Payload Volume Height: 8 m / 59 ft Payload Fairing Diameter: 9 m / 30 ft Payload Volume: 100 m3 / 38,800 ft3 Useful Mass: 100 t / 220 klb