SpaceX Prepares for Another Starship Launch in June 2024

SpaceX is gearing up for another test flight of its Starship rocket. The company announced on Friday that the fourth flight test of the massive rocket could take place as early as June 5th, pending regulatory approval.

During its most recent test flight in March, Starship successfully launched into space. However, SpaceX lost contact with the vehicle as it reentered Earth’s atmosphere. The company reported that the booster experienced “lower than expected landing burn thrust” due to a “continued filter blockage.”

Despite this setback, the test was significant as it allowed SpaceX to test its payload door in space and conduct a propellant transfer demonstration for the first time. Starship’s first two launches ended in explosions. SpaceX began developing Starship in 2012 to create a fully reusable spacecraft. Ultimately, the 165-foot-long Starship is intended to transport crew and cargo into space.

SpaceX will refine the ability to return and reuse Starship and its Super Heavy booster for the upcoming flight. The company has implemented several hardware and software updates to achieve this goal. The fourth flight will follow a similar trajectory to the previous test, aiming for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

The date of June 5th has yet to be confirmed, as it depends on approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration.