Starship's Fifth Test Flight Approved: Watch Live on October 13

SpaceX Set to Launch Starship for Fifth Time

SpaceX is gearing up for an exciting milestone as it plans to launch its Starship for the fifth time tomorrow, October 13th, 2023. The launch is scheduled to take place during a 30-minute launch window that begins at 8 AM ET. This launch comes on the heels of the recent declaration by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stating that SpaceX has successfully met all safety, environmental, and other licensing requirements for the upcoming suborbital test flight.

Live Streaming the Launch

For those eager to witness the launch live, SpaceX will be streaming the event beginning approximately 35 minutes prior to liftoff. The live stream can be accessed on SpaceX's official website, their X account, and through the X TV app.

Goals for Tomorrow's Flight

One of the primary objectives for this flight is to successfully return the Super Heavy booster to its designated launch site, a feat that has not yet been achieved. Additionally, SpaceX is aiming for another successful splashdown of the Starship in the Indian Ocean, having executed this successfully during its fourth flight test in June.

FAA's Unexpected Clearance

Originally, the FAA's clearance for this launch was not expected until November. However, according to reports from CNBC, the FAA, along with its partners, conducted necessary assessments more quickly than anticipated. This efficiency allowed for the approval of both tomorrow's launch and also the Starship 6 mission profile, as reported by Reuters.

Conclusion

As the countdown to liftoff begins, anticipation builds within the aerospace community and among SpaceX enthusiasts. This launch represents not just a significant step for SpaceX but also a pivotal moment in the journey toward advancing space exploration.