SpaceX & Elon Musk Launching Flight 5 Starship This Week, New Launch Date OUT! No More Waiting

SpaceX is making steps toward the fifth flight of its Starship, despite the FAA estimating that the launch license may not be approved until late November. In a recent update from the company, SpaceX announced a potential launch date of October 13th, just a week away, though it hinges on regulatory approval. While the FAA's official stance suggests a launch won’t happen before November, SpaceX’s readiness for launch could be seen as an attempt to apply pressure on the agency.
In the update, SpaceX provided detailed insight into the flight profile and conditions surrounding the booster catch attempt. The fifth test flight of Starship aims to advance toward full and rapid reusability, with a primary objective of attempting the first-ever return-to-launch-site booster catch. Starship’s upper stage is set for re-entry and a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, marking another step in demonstrating the system’s full potential.
Despite SpaceX’s optimism, the FAA has reiterated that the company must meet all safety, environmental, and licensing requirements before receiving approval to launch. This was reaffirmed just days ago, with the FAA doubling down on its projection of a late-November approval. SpaceX, however, seems eager to proceed, potentially signaling they have internal information or readiness beyond what is publicly known.
One notable development is that SpaceX has begun installing the flight termination system (FTS), an essential safety measure involving explosives that is usually one of the last steps before a launch. This installation suggests that SpaceX is gearing up for an imminent attempt. The FTS ensures that if the rocket strays from its path, it can be destroyed to prevent any danger to the public or property.
As for the booster catch attempt, SpaceX explained that numerous criteria must be met for the attempt to proceed. The mission flight director will make the final call before the boost-back burn. If the conditions aren't ideal, the booster will perform a landing burn and splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. Otherwise, it will return to the launch site for a catch attempt, a maneuver that has never been attempted before. The catch involves the booster returning at supersonic speeds, slowing down just in time to be caught by the tower's arms.
#starshiplaunch #starship #ift4

[@emmanuelben1393]

I so much wish for this to happen

[@rwhitenz]

nasa probsbly licensing flight as faa delays impact their budget

[@StarshipAlves]

SpaceX should announce when every launch is ready to go. And update the public on government delaying them.

[@Naturalcapture9]

Is it possible without licence starship launch possible😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@otiebrown9999]

NOTAMS: Say yes! Filed a FLIGHT PLAN WITH FAA!

[@DieterMaier-r6k]

FINALLY! Just launch it without license!

[@jonahbert111]

Doesn't the FAA issue the spaces for the launch to ensure there is no people in the launch area and splash down area? Without these areas controlled, how can one safely launch? ??

[@stephensherwood5268]

Flight termination system (FTS) is currently not installed on the ship or booster, fyi

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

it would be nice sooner than later we all will have to see.

[@Kaotik_Monkey]

FAA?

[@pilotdawn1661]

EXACTLY what needs to happen. - Launch Wed, Nov. 6

[@derekmillar5407]

Come on NASA ,, it is time for you to step forward and take over the Licencing of Starship launches if you want to reach the Moon anytime soon. 😂✌

[@pattoft6356]

It’s about time SpaceX stiffs FAA

[@flightsimdev9021]

FAA are looking at it this way, the front flaps nearly burn't through, if this happens again, a catch might land on those weakened flaps, and they may fail, causing a rather large explosion, this could also throw stuff at the fuel tanks, if that happened the explosive force is larger than size of the bomb that landed on Japan in WW2. You can't just clear something without looking at the safety side, a rocket nearly twice the Apollo 11 has never been caught. You always have to think "What IF" in every approval, What If the fuel tanks exploded? How many would die? Well, easy answer, everyone within 50 miles would die.

[@trevorpickup3820]

What are the chances of someone like China trying to recover the star ship from the Indian ocean .

[@HombreDeLaNorte]

President Trump will put an end to the “tail wagging the dog” BS that these regulators impose on scientific endeavors.

[@BrotherMichaeloftheCross]

Sounds like a recipe for catastrophe if they aren't careful. Money is not that important.

[@billrichardson2256]

👍

[@nekbiodieselworks]

I am no fan of Musk, but I think the FAA needs to get out of his way and let him do his job