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Starship IFT6 imminent
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
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