SpaceX Confirms Starship Flight 5 Launch Intent for THIS WEEK! It's On!!!

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Launch this week? The FAA releases a notice to air missions for a Starship flight next week. Will it happen? SpaceX confirms Starship launch intent for October 13th! SpaceX completes the last round of testing before flight 5. Will it work? SpaceX test-fired a Raptor 3 for a record amount of time, but why? Vulcan had a mishap during its recent test launch, and what the FAA said about it will shock you!
SpaceX Flight 5 Confirmation: www.spacex.com...
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Editing: John Young, Alex Potvin, Stefanie Schlang
Photography: Jordan Guidry, Sean Doherty, John Winkopp & Stefanie Schlang
3D Animation: Voop3D
Script & Research: Nathan, Felix Schlang
LIVE Production: Jonathan Heuer, Jordan Guidry
Host: Felix Schlang
Production: Stefanie & Felix Schlang
Graphics & Media Processing: Jonathan Heuer, Felix Schlang
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📄Links for this Episode:
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[@Whataboutit]

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Follow the link for an extra 4 months free at surfshark.com/felix Be honest! Would you have predicted this October 13th launch date?

[@DieterMaier-r6k]

Is it now confirmed or not?

[@KimberlyLangille]

Yes

[@KimberlyLangille]

How much

[@DieterMaier-r6k]

I hope SpaceX launches without license ASAP!!

[@Anwesh-oo4tw]

Exciting for the next starship launch! Waiting for this to launch

[@Whataboutit]

I still can't fully believe it but the entire WAI team is in high alert and quickly prepping! SpaceX got us by surprise as much as they did get you!

[@miqbalpasha]

Hi wai(what about it)

[@adctvuk5035]

The weight of the balls on the chopsticks was 700t

[@R1kk3rt]

source?

[@curtisquick1582]

One possibility is that NASA is taking over supervision from the FAA for the Starship launch in support of Artemis. Neither the military nor NASA are subject to FAA regulations. If NASA decided to authorize Starship to launch, the FAA would not have jurisdiction to stop Starship.

[@Benn25]

I agree, the FAA is clearly overwhelmed by the pace of evolution of starship. DoD or NASA should supervise the licencing.

[@johnnyjones9601]

A flight this soon? Finally!

[@MrYabby]

I always look forward to WAI!

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you!

[@lev0824]

October 13 is already the official goal of spacex!!!!!

[@Vastafari34]

Wait a minute, all these delays are FELIX'S FAULT!!! LETS GET EM' !!

[@henry-nk1zy]

Nöooooooooooooop!

[@Whataboutit]

This is totally not Felix writing: Wait, Felix’s fault? Hmm, well, if you think about it, delays are a tricky concept. I mean, are they really anyone’s fault, or do they just exist in the fabric of time itself? Could Felix have influenced the winds, or was it perhaps a cosmic alignment that shifted everything by exactly 3.2 seconds, setting off a chain reaction? But then again, if we trace it back far enough, wasn't it actually Tuesday's weather report that caused the whole thing? It's really hard to say. Let's circle back to this after a philosophical debate on the nature of responsibility... or maybe Felix?!

[@Maelthras]

Running a rocket engine for 3 seconds short of 15 minutes is absolutely insane. Pushing it and seeing what components take damage for what is basically 3 launches worth of use at a single time with no refurbishment in between. This is mind blowing and goes to show just how tough this engine is and how crazy spacex is. NASA has problems running an engine for 3 minutes on proven hardware and spacex just straps their new engine to a stand and says look at this.

[@hanswitvliet8188]

If (…) a booster could have its raptors burning that long (if having fuel enough), could it: A) reach higher altitude? B) carry heavier load?

[@JohnR31415]

@@hanswitvliet8188 yes, but…. The rocket equation is well known for tyranny

[@hectormclean33]

No, to maximize payload you want to get to orbit as fast as possible to reduce the amount of time you have to fight gravity. If you increased the burn time you would have to reduce the number of engines burning, reducing thrust, taking longer to orbit. If you increase tank size you have to either lower the thrust to weight ratio, taking longer or increase number of engines, making the craft larger for no real gain. One possible use case is orbital refueling, which would allow you to burn longer once in orbit, taking the payload further. Interestingly, the 15min burn time is correlated to the total burn time required to land on mars.

[@Keiranful]

It's more than 3 launches, because continuous heating can create far more wear than 3 normal launches.

[@Mentaculus42]

@@Keiranful Yep, equilibrium is worse than two extra startup transients ‽

[@benjaminsimpson6089]

I’m here so early!! Go starship!!

[@sxmolin]

Either nasa or military has issued a launch license of their own

[@jwagner4050]

Would be nice. The DoD isn't as worried about scaring the fish.

[@gregsteele806]

FAA: You blew a nozzle off your booster? No problem. Also FAA: You're using drinking water to cool your launch pad? Woah now! Oh, we also think your falling heat tiles may pose a threat to anyone dumb enough to ignore the flight exclusion zones we make you post for every flight, so we're gonna have to delay you again.

[@maurosobreira8695]

Wow, fingers crossed that it will happen🤞…

[@stovebolt448]

Are you suggesting that the FAA is playing favorites?...........gasp!

[@cpm1003]

"Mass simulator" always sounds funny to me. Is it not genuine mass? It's just simulated mass?

[@shannonkohl68]

The FAA couldn't make it clearer what the reason is for hassling SpaceX is. The Vulcan booster failure was *far* more dangerous than the Falcon-9 landing failure. Had that nozzle damaged the gimbaling mechanism, you could have had it veer off course while still quite close to the ground. The Falcon-9 landing failure was clearly no danger to anyone.

[@edwardsummey8843]

Had the nozzle given out in the opposite direction, it could have taken out the BE-4 engines, causing an instant RUD.

[@chris.eskimo]

Precisely. This is CLEARLY only to harass SpaceX!

[@gordonn4915]

The other reason to do everything to get ready to launch is the NASA moon contract. If you are only waiting for the government then you are allowed to bill the cost of waiting.

[@eugenecbell]

It’s not, “late November”, it’s, “after the election”.

[@bd5av8r1]

Its our government, just like they could not process my signed tax return because they claim its missing a signature. :D lol

[@MrHugemoth]

Or the USPS not being to deliver a package because there is no such address, after I've lived at the same address for 40 years.

[@xephael3485]

​@@MrHugemoththey'll correct the address issue by making sure you do not exist as well...

[@merkridge8780]

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

[@DimitriEdgar]

I love this channel! Keep up the good work Felix! 🚀

[@thechillclubkids]

This Sunday! Confirmed by Musk yesterday from X!

[@Estes-o8v]

Yess musk

[@patrickmchargue7122]

The FAA gets paid no matter what they do, or don't do. Why would they even bother to help? Chaos is the goal in these times, so nothing is predictable or transparent.

[@Mishn0]

Someone is getting paid a little extra in order to punish an ally of the current regime's political rival.

[@Bramon83]

FAA: FEES ALWAYS ACCRUE

[@otiebrown9999]

OK!! I am a pilot! It's Easy! File a FLIGHT PLAN! Then the FAA can cancel my plan. Then I will return : VFR !!

[@Jpeveto44]

Yes! I saw that "Launch could be as soon as Sunday" post.

[@sagecoach]

Space Force could be in play here for national security. They can clear the ground, air, and waterways for their launches.

[@GodisElu-zt5ec]

Keep up the good work. You make me happy. And you help me keep my space dream alive. Thanks so much 😊

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you so much for this comment! It's a humble feeling. I'm honoured!

[@GodisElu-zt5ec]

Your welcome 😊, can't wait for the launch

[@ColourX_]

When they tested chopsticks it was estimated that they tested it to the max weight which was about 700tons

[@dakota4766]

we booked a hotel just in case they fly sunday! flight 5 lets gooooooo!!!!

[@caocao45590]

FAA is finally getting some serious pressure,. But why play games and send out conflicting information? Either way I am hoping for successful launch and catch this weakend!!

[@Nemophilist850]

The FAA are not the only organisation that can issue launch licenses.

[@nevillenicholas6335]

Excellent and thought-provoking video, Felix and Team. However, there is an additional scenario worth considering. Flight 5 will launch on the 13th, or thereabouts, with a license from the FAA, but with the condition that it lands out to sea, as per Flight 4. I just hope that SpaceX is about to submit the required paperwork that will enable Flight 6 to fly, say end November.

[@DieterMaier-r6k]

I hope SpaceX launches without license ASAP!

[@livergen]

Thank You Felix, Good info Brother..

[@drone_boss]

Funny. Those bastards get called out, they move. Government is useless. Or at least the current admin.

[@AcapellaNutella6]

lol'd at the schrodinger cat pic

[@orlandocalderon3656]

Finally!

[@noliebowtie1315]

Yeah, the FAA is way overstepping the bounds of their usefulness into the territory of overbearing and unreasonable.

[@rogerrussell9544]

I would love to see the FAA drag Space X into court, I don't think they could make a case based on the actual laws that Congress passed.

[@andrasbiro3007]

It was the Supreme Court, otherwise you're probably right.

[@rogerrussell9544]

@@andrasbiro3007 And it's a differnt kind of court now, the Chevron Deference is an example.

[@P-M-869]

I hope we have electricity so we can watch the launch. I live north of you, just south of Daytona Beach. I heard that the Chopstick Test was 500 Tons. Since the ULA Booster functioned correctly, they shouldn't have an issue. But there should be for the Solid Fuel Booster should have to figure out what went wrong.

[@Estes-o8v]

Hope you do that hurricane is no joke

[@tallslimpr]

Great job Felix!

[@garthbews4863]

2 other options..1 Nasa issues lic....they can/could....military issues launch lic also possible also can issue... FAA is 1 of few who issues launch lic...best check other issuers of said lic.

[@oap81]

The reason why the FAA won't allow flight 5 to happen is only political. If Elon would've backed Kamala we'd be preparing flight 6. It's always political.

[@EvanPang-w4i]

Go starship!!!

[@WilboBaggins-dm7ub]

Absolutely lurve all the thumbs up on the screen at about 4.40

[@Oblivionsurveyor]

Well the Europa Clipper won't be launching because of Milton. Gotta ramp up testing of the Rocket that will replace all the rest. Perhaps that is why they are trying to slow testing down. No company will be able to hold a candle next to SpaceX after the Starship is completed. SpaceX will reduce cost per lb into orbit by so much using smaller rockets will become less practical.

[@texasfossilguy]

crazy that Vulcan had a failure, i was like 5 miles away in Titusville and didnt notice at all, you needed a better camera to see it

[@socorro713]

Excellent, keep up the great work.

[@chrischeshire6528]

Instead of paying taxes next April lets wait till November.

[@arullgodwin4729]

Finally FAA approved

[@grant2053]

Did the FAA actually approve it?

[@surbhikumari953]

Did FAA approve it today?

[@Xeroxiv]

no we just don't ask FAA anymore. problem solved

[@Dawho99]

Lol at the reaction!

[@mattfromwiisports4910]

I’m sure we’ll get flight 6 by thanksgiving 2025.

[@kb9gkc]

We are go for launch!

[@theastronomer5800]

SpaceX should take these FAA people for a flight, and leave them up there...

[@CraigBrown-h9b]

FAA deals with Aviation! NASA deals with space. FAA should be taken out of the space biz and leave it to NASA. Spaceflight is NOT aviation.

[@taitran-q5p]

🗿🔥 starship fight 5

[@daveamies5031]

Some consistency and transparency from the FAA is what's needed, but until they explain why ULA's severe failure doesn't need an investigation when SpaceX's less severe one's do, let's just conclude that probably ULA or Northrop Grumman just pays the FAA to look the other way and SpaceX probably doesn't Lack of transparency and consistency is a the same clear marker of corruption, everywhere in the world

[@Zachary3DPrints]

I know you like to investigate and make some pinpoint guesses... I would suggest to check when the "beetles" get the new FTS restocking and when they are going to install it, on all previous flights. When you see those soon, you know that SpaceX is going to test. They should have gotten their FTS or are going to get it before Thursday

[@moonshadow7475]

Thanks for the update Bro!! 👍🥰🚀

[@DAlexander35]

For the love of God and country, please vote this administration out of office and let Elon clean house. These beurocrats need to go!

[@TagiukGold]

Yay, you pronounced NTAM correctly. It was a reasonable chance because air missions now include uncrewed flights such as drones and rockets.

[@idulton2870]

when is flight 6?

[@mistrants2745]

Tomorrow afternoon

[@arthurlunar7835]

september 30

[@BenFryer-yh8gj]

Finally a launch on the weekend😂

[@cualtiochi]

Whaaaaaaat...noooo waaaaaay!? 😮😮😮 I'm crying for real! 🙏👏👍💪

[@Kiwiaviatornz]

The spacex website says “Starship's fifth flight test could launch as soon as October 13, pending regulatory approval”

[@MattCHollis1988]

A can crusher could also test the chop sticks. Use a plate that can be clamped in place to the launch mount to attach to at the bottom, then you can test drops without the water bags

[@WilboBaggins-dm7ub]

Very enjoyable. Felix you rock too. The WAI with music I always watch twice. The long ones.....sorry.....forgive me.....bored to death. There said it.

[@ryanm7263]

SpaceX is gearing up for a lawsuit against the FAA imo. They're demonstrating that there is no technical or logistical reason FL5 can't go forward. The FAA is engaged in arbitrary and capricious interference in violation of its mandate, and to prove that in court SpaceX must demonstrate its readiness to launch.

[@jamesf2697]

Although the FAA only said they wouldn't have a launch license. But they want to clear the airspace, because even though they won't have a license but maybe a waiver.

[@bamabldr66]

Felix I could definitely use some good news. Hopefully she will fly next week. Cliff

[@saite2560]

is a flight 4 replay still on the table? since if they can purhaps they can do the 4th again and 5th in a few weeks? they did claim if it didn't change too much they could relaunch 4. but they may have altered the specs too much for that.

[@seefusiontech]

One scenario is that Space X will not perform a catch on this flight. As far as I know, they have been given the go-ahead to launch if the flight plan is the same as flights 3 and 4. I think they would want to get another test flight in. They will try the catch with the following flight using the new v2 hardware, possibly next month.

[@OlleMattsson]

When raptor is in production it will have to be able to do hundreds or even thousands of cumulative minutes of burn to approach true reusability. 15 minutes in an impressive step in that direction!!

[@freshplasticup5795]

My thought is that the stranded Boeing crew relying on space X to get them home, is a piece of the calculation to decide to launch flight 5 with or without a "license"

[@Mexxico21]

Keep the jokes coming buddy, you ROCK! 😂

[@ortana-v2]

Wait what!? Next week? No ... This Month! Wait no ... Next Week?

[@Nordwind46]

Schrödingers launch date🤣

[@DALKINION]

Might aswell replace the FAA with FEMA

[@caosking7869]

I hoped they would launch on the 12th cuz it’s my birthday

[@TheDejael]

Hey Felix, thanks for the heads up! Here's to Elon Musk, SpaceX, NASA, Marcus House, and...the FAA (which needs to move into the 21st Century as the SAA (Space Aeronautics Administration) for both the Space Force and commercial flights.

[@otiebrown9999]

THE FAA? That IS THE new DEI.

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

Nasa Spaceflight channel did a deep dive into what agencies license which launches. NASA is normally in charge of licensing experimental and development flights, with the FAA beginning to license flights after they are out of the development phase and into regular commercial service. The FAA is overstepping its authority by trying to regulate starship flights this early in its development.

[@cmilkau]

There have been two hurdles listed explicitly for the launch licences: 1) the new flight profile (RTLS) 2) the new heat shield. Now the heat shield was mentioned as a *potential* hurdle and if that is close to being settled, SpaceX might be able to launch by forgoing the RTLS and repeating the flight profile of flight 4, going for just another heat shield test. Is that realistic? It does seem more realistic than launching without a licence to me, but also I don't know shit.

[@CrazyRFGuy]

Could they be doing a short flight up and back to do a teat of the landing system? They have, or had, license to do a couple non orbital experimental flights. Could they opt to use those?

[@dadejazzba402]

Fire dem FAA

[@DraftedByTheMan]

I’m pissed….I gave up on seeing a launch and booked a trip to Austin Texas for a holiday anyway. Arriving October 14 😠. If there’s a slight 2 day delay 🙏… I can be there within a 5 hour drive… First time I ever hoped for a delay…sorry….

[@patpozzuto4809]

Everyone is misinterpreting all this information from FAA & SpaceX, I'll try to simplify it. SpaceX ITF5 on 8/13 followed by SpaceX ITF6 4 weeks later. 🤔

[@curtisquick1582]

I hope you are correct!

[@gnarly706]

The space x team is probably going ahead putting pressure on faa with law firm.

[@gnarly706]

Yes they’re be a launch.

[@Oneman.oneboat]

Hi Felix. Again, a great video. Just a correction: NOTAM is an acronym for Notice to Airmen, not Air missions.

[@drachefly]

Used to be, but they changed it, possibly due to drones (less likely, women. Women have been flying for a long time).

[@tomwaller6893]

Space X can re use the flight profile already approved.

[@rossthiffairyan]

Should that be momentum rather then inertia? 🤔🤔🤔

[@bryanb3352]

shouldn't it be than?

[@rossthiffairyan]

Yes. Yes it should. ​@@bryanb3352

[@drshoe8744]

Let's Go, Let's Cook This Chicken! 🐔🚀

[@MattCHollis1988]

Don't you only need a licence if you go over a certain altitude. It may be the best way to test a catch, is to do a low fly test.

[@caldodge]

FAA incompetence explains the mixed messages. FAA corruption explains the multiple delays.

[@WeAllLaughDownHere-ne2ou]

Define "CORRUPTION."

[@bryanb3352]

@@WeAllLaughDownHere-ne2ou using regulatory power as a political weapon

[@WeAllLaughDownHere-ne2ou]

@@bryanb3352 and who is/are the politician(s) benefiting from this supposed "corruption"?

[@bryanb3352]

@@WeAllLaughDownHere-ne2ou The people that want to exercise power over the people they consider enemies.

[@neutralityimformer834]

FAA responsibility as a guidance and a patron of good governance of there positions.

[@paty501]

I say they try to push faa

[@undertow2142]

Why can’t we just have a simple efficient and regulatory framework. Like send samples of the deluge water to a lab. Send the lab report and and written explanation of the entire system as well as its operation. A group of people at the FAA review. Have an opportunity to request additional information then meet to discuss and vote on approval. Simple effective and quick with common sense. We don’t need to turn to dictators and fascism as Elon seems to think.

[@markaycock9835]

To hell with the FAA. It's a space mission . Not an airplane. Just warn everyone and LAUNCH.

[@wollis3802]

Just wait until after the election, Donaldwill grant Elon free reins 🤣

[@gregsteele806]

How long will the Raptors have to fire to reach Mars?

[@jayhinds3937]

This is a good question. I was wondering it myself.

[@admarsandbeyond]

Until propellants run out. If mass flow is ~650 kg/s *6 = 3.9t/s. Propellant load is ~1200t, so about 300s