SpaceX has begun preparing for its fifth Starship test flight in Texas by transporting the Super Heavy rocket to the launch pad yesterday evening. Following a brief hiatus in testing activities at the Texas site, SpaceX has accelerated its Starship testing efforts. This fifth test will mark the first attempt by the company to catch the rocket with the launch tower’s catch arms, and following today’s lift, pressure tests or static fire tests will also be conducted for the rocket. Local authorities in Cameron County are informing residents about SpaceX’s testing activities for rocket transport, ground tests, and flight operations.
SpaceX Continues Pre-flight Tests
According to a statement signed by Eddie Treviño Jr., SpaceX is permitted to conduct non-flight test activities between 08:00 and 20:00 local time. The notifications do not specify the exact nature of the tests SpaceX will conduct. If SpaceX conducts a successful static fire test for Super Heavy before Starship Flight 5, it could bring the launch one step closer.
In addition to Super Heavy, the engines of the second stage Starship will also undergo static fires before launch. SpaceX previously conducted these tests on a platform adjacent to the launch tower, which has now been removed and replaced with a new launch tower.
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Since Super Heavy is currently on the orbital launch pad, SpaceX will test the rocket after establishing necessary connections. Approximately 33 Raptor engines will be used during testing, with the number increasing in subsequent flights.
This test will also attempt to slow down and vertically land over the sea as part of Super Heavy’s soft water landing. While footage showed the rocket tipping over and exploding after landing, SpaceX will retry this test in Starship flights.
The catch arms of the tower to be installed over the sea have successfully passed some tests. If successful, this test will mark a significant milestone in SpaceX’s Starship development. However, failure could lead to substantial damage to the launch pad. SpaceX may also need FAA approval for the tower at the launch site to catch the rocket.
