The second test of the largest rocket system ever built in the history of space is only scheduled to take place tomorrow. Elon Musk wrote yesterday on X (Twitter) that a drive unit on a control surface still needs to be replaced. “That’s why the start was postponed until Saturday.” Further details, such as the time, were not initially provided.
AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth
The “Starship” set out for an unmanned test launch for the first time in mid-April – and exploded and crashed four minutes later. Billionaire Musk, whose space company SpaceX developed and built the “Starship” rocket system, saw this not as a setback but as an “exciting test launch.”
Got the green light for trial
The US aviation authority FAA investigated the incident and called for numerous improvement measures as a condition for the upcoming test launch. SpaceX announced that it has implemented numerous improvements and changes. The FAA has now given the green light.
The “Starship” – made up of the approximately 70 meter long “Super Heavy” booster and the approximately 50 meter long upper stage, also called “Starship” – aims to enable manned missions to the Moon and Mars. The system is designed so that the spacecraft and rocket can be reused after returning to Earth.