SpaceX's Giant Starship Rocket Set for Second Test Flight on Friday

Second Test Flight for SpaceX's Starship Rocket Scheduled for Friday

SpaceX is targeting Friday, November 18, 2023, for the second test flight of its giant Starship rocket. The launch is scheduled for 10:02 PM UTC from the company's Starbase facility in Texas.

The Starship, a fully reusable launch vehicle, is SpaceX's next-generation spacecraft designed to transport both crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The upcoming test flight will be the second in a series of tests aimed at demonstrating the rocket's capabilities and preparing it for operational missions.

Booster 9 and Ship 25 to be Used

For this test flight, SpaceX will use Booster 9, the company's most powerful rocket booster, and Ship 25, a prototype Starship spacecraft. The Booster 9 will provide the initial thrust for the launch, while the Ship 25 will complete the flight and attempt to land back on Earth.

The first test flight of the Starship rocket, conducted in December 2020, resulted in a successful launch and controlled descent but ended in a crash landing. SpaceX has since made significant modifications to the rocket and is aiming for a more successful outcome this time around.