SpaceX to Launch Giant Starship Rocket on Orbital Test, with New Flight Path Splashdown in the Indian Ocean
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is making final preparations for the launch of its new giant Starship rocket on an orbital test flight from its south Texas “Starbase.” Following completion of the orbital test, the rocket is now set to splash down in the Indian Ocean, a change from earlier plans to land just north of Hawaii. Pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the launch could occur as early as 8am Eastern Time on March 14.
According to documents filed with the FCC, SpaceX’s orbital test flight will take off from its Starbase in Texas, situated at the Boca Chica complex north of the Rio Grande River on the Gulf Coast. The facility is located below the popular tourist destination of South Padre Island.
Around 170 seconds after liftoff, the Booster Stage of the Starship rocket will separate and perform a partial return, landing in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 20 miles from the shore. Meanwhile, the Orbital Starship will continue its journey, flying over the Gulf of Mexico and then through the Florida Straits, eventually achieving orbit.
In a statement, SpaceX explained that the revised flight path will allow the rocket to attempt new techniques such as in-space engine burns while prioritizing public safety. The company also stated its intention to collect as much data as possible during the flight to improve its understanding of the vehicle’s behavior in challenging flight conditions.
The Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket are part of SpaceX’s fully reusable transportation system, designed to transport crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. With a capacity of up to 150 metric tonnes when fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes when expendable, the Starship is set to become the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed. Standing approximately 394 feet tall and 29.5 feet wide, it surpasses the size of the U.S. Space Shuttle and the Saturn V rockets used for NASA’s lunar exploration program.
Before the launch can proceed, SpaceX must secure a license from the FAA. The agency is currently reviewing the second flight test to ensure maximum safety. Elon Musk recently shared a post on SpaceX’s platform, stating that the third flight test of the Starship could take place on March 14, pending regulatory approval.
In November 2023, SpaceX successfully completed the second flight test of the Starship from its Starbase in Texas. However, during the test, a combustion event and subsequent fires led to a loss of communication between the spacecraft’s flight computers. The flight was terminated, but SpaceX believes it gathered valuable data that will inform future missions.
Musk first announced plans for the Starship rocket in 2018, originally referring to it as the “Big Falcon Rocket.” His vision included lunar missions by 2023 and using the rocket to transport passengers to the Moon and Mars. If the upcoming orbital test goes well, SpaceX aims to send astronauts to the Moon as early as 2025 or 2026.
Before SpaceX can proceed with the launch, it requires approval from the FAA, signaling the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all U.S.-based rocket launches.
Analyst comment
Positive news: SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket is set to launch on an orbital test flight with a new flight path splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The revised flight path prioritizes public safety and allows for the testing of new techniques. Pending FAA approval, the launch could happen on March 14.
