Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tech

IFT-4 Booster Heads to Pad as SpaceX Reschedules Fourth Starship Test to June

Elon Musk confirmed a delay in the fourth Starship test flight after the recent shipment of its IFT-4 booster to the launch pad and the inaugural static fire of a new Starship earlier this week. SpaceX swiftly announced a launch date after the March test, aiming to significantly reduce turnaround time since IFT-2’s delay, with a May launch potentially halving this timeline.

Advertisement

Musk’s announcement coincides with the sharing of an image displaying two upper stage Starships at SpaceX’s Texas facilities. SpaceX is now focusing on concurrently maintaining multiple rockets for the first time since beginning the integrated test flight campaign, potentially aiding in accumulating additional data about its rockets.

Starship Super Heavy boasts 33 rocket engines for liftoff, and precise orientation during landing is crucial to avoid a crash. The third flight in March marked progress, with the second stage Starship coasting adequately post-separation to allow for atmospheric reentry. However, the first stage failed to execute the final set of engine burns required for a controlled landing, resulting in the loss of the vehicle.

Advertisement

Heat shields are among the most complex components involved in building a rocket. SpaceX manufactures heat shield tiles and assembles them onto the ship. Beyond the two Starships, the third rocket in the picture could also see flight soon, evident from its visible inter-stage separation ring.

A June test flight would mark the first time SpaceX tests the full Starship stack twice in the first half of a year.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

All Episodes

American singer Chloe Bailey and Burna Boy are fueling dating rumors after being spotted getting cozy at various locations in Lagos, Nigeria Chloe arrived...

All Episodes

Welcome to your daily dose of Social Ville! Stay tuned for all the latest trends, gossip, and entertainment happening around the world. From exciting...

All Episodes

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Superstar, Davido is set to reach another major career milestone in July 2025 as he is set to headline his first stadium...

All Episodes

Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage has expressed her frustration over the constant criticism she faces for her fashion choices, particularly in relation to her age....

Copyright © TVCCommuniation owner of TVC Entertainment