Starship IFT6 imminent

[Startrek]

Space X are turning these integrated test flights of Starship around within a month or so which is astonishing.
IFT6 is due for launch on Tuesday 19th November at 4.00pm ( Wednesday 20th November st 9.00am Australian EDT ) and will be the final block 1 Starship flight.
Main test objectives ….,
Booster catch again on launch tower with chopsticks
Orbital burn of vacuum Raptor engine to prove engine performance
Steeper re entry path of Starship to test new heat shield modifications
Daylight view of Starship landing in Indian Ocean to confirm flip manoeuvre and landing sequence
And other hardware and software test performance criteria

Block 2 Starship and booster for IFT7 is already constructed ready for ground testing and ITF8 is not too far off

The Starship test program in 2025 will be ramped up ( possibly a test flight every 2 to 3 weeks ) ready for an unmanned Mars or Moon shot in 2026 !!
Exciting times ahead

Martin

[RB]

Some posts deleted due to TOS rules.

RB

[sn1987a]

Go Elon, Go SpaceX you magnificent.......!:D

[Startrek]

If they nail this 6th test flight and achieve all objectives then the only major objective for rapid re usability would be to catch the Ship in the chopsticks ( maybe for ITF7 or ITF8)
I’d guess ITF9 would carry and deploy payload ( Starlink ) and further development and testing on the complete Starship vehicle for future crewed flights beyond 2027.
Looking forward to watching this next test flight on Wednesday morning

Good luck Space X for ITF6

[sn1987a]

Launch in just under 30 minutes great views on X

[strongmanmike]

Yeah it's cool, I just wish I could get more excited about it.....sadly for me it's just linked (pardon the pun) to so much I dislike, can't get the same feelings NASA was and still is able to instill, responsible integrity is so important when undertaking mighty things :sadeyes:

Mike

[sn1987a]

I'm 57 I don't have enough life left to get squeamish about how the sausage is made anymore. Let Elon, Elon. There's no other Honey Badger out there with anywhere near enough sheer will and grit to get ..it done. Crash through or crash. Keep going Elon, Mars or bust :thumbsup:

[Leo.G]

Do you really see manned missions to Mars becoming a reality in our time Martin?
I believe we are the same age, 64 and have been hearing about the prospects of this for close to our entire lives.
Personally I still think we've got a long way to go beyond a launch. I guess baby steps.
I still see a launch from a base on the moon being more feasible, allowing for a larger payload without requiring escape velocity. There's still the other end of the trip, they have to be able to reduce all of that masses speed too.

[Startrek]

Leo,
Yeh we’re similar age. The Starship program is something to be really excited about for the future of Space flight, at least it is for me.
A launch from the Moon has merit but logistically too expensive IMO. In any case Starships will cost peanuts in a few years time once Space X nail rapid reusability. Elon is estimating a million bucks or so per launch which is ridiculously cheap.
As far as orbital mechanics is concerned, I’m sure the brains trust of Space X and NASA will work out the most economical and safest path to Mars and return.
Obviously we both witnessed the Apollo missions as space kids and the next chapter 50 years later is Starship.
It’s gotta be something to be excited about , one of my grandkids who’s 8 , is just like I was , he’s the new 21st Century space kid and he watches every Starship launch.

Cheers
Martin

[Leo.G]

I'd probably be more excited if he wasn't putting so many satellites up there.

[Bevan31]

Wow that is exciting!

[Startrek]

FAA has approved 25 Starship launches for 2025
That’s a launch every 2 to 3 weeks
Surely thats enough development and testing to get an unmanned Starship on its way to the Moon or Mars by end of 2026

No restrictions now for Space X