SpaceX is all set to launch its Starship rocket, which is the most powerful rocket ever made by mankind. The long-awaited launch will take place in Texas, and the uncrewed test flight will be watched by millions of people around the world. The launch window will open at 7 a.m. local time, but according to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the launch may be postponed if there are any concerns.
This is not a conventional launch, it is arguably the most vital test in SpaceX’s history. The Starship is all-new and the company aims to make it the next-generation space vehicle for crew and cargo missions to Mars and beyond. The ambition behind the Starship programme is massive and will shape the future of space travel. The rocket is said to have 33 Raptor engines and will create a massive 17 million pounds of thrust at launch.
Also Read:
Space enthusiasts and rocket lovers can watch the live webcast of the flight test on SpaceX’s YouTube channel. The webcast will start 45 minutes before the launch window, and it will provide people worldwide with access to the historically significant launch.
The entire mission is expected to last around 90 minutes. If everything goes according to the plan, then the upper-stage Starship spacecraft will separate from the Super Heavy booster several minutes into the flight. The booster will then come down off the coast of Hawaii, and the Starship will attempt to reach orbit. Again, if successful, the Starship will come down in the Gulf of Mexico following its orbital trip.
Also Read:
Regardless of the success, this mission will provide the engineers with valuable data so that the vehicle and its flight systems can be improved. If the mission proceeds as planned, the success of the Starship will put pressure on other space companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic.
In a Twitter session on Sunday, Elon Musk said that the first test launch of the Starship is only 60% likely to succeed, and added that, “if any one of them goes wrong, it’s like having a box of grenades”, referring to the 33 engines. However, he remarked that there are a few important milestones to be achieved with this launch, such as reaching orbit and landing, among others, and even partial success will be seen as a huge accomplishment.
Also Read:
SpaceX fans should make sure to stay tuned to their social media channels for updates as the schedule is dynamic and likely to change. SpaceX has stressed in the past that all developmental testing is subject to change, so the same advice applies here as well. The Starship launch is one of the most critical launches in SpaceX’s history, and it will require several complex manoeuvres.
SpaceX fans can watch this launch event with enthusiasm, knowing that the future of space travel rests on this test. They can watch the webcast, as SpaceX takes its next big step in the Space industry.
Also Read:
In Other News Around the World: