SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has indicated that the next launch attempt for the Starship V3 spacecraft could occur in approximately four weeks. The update was shared via a post on the social media platform X.
Potential Launch Window
This timeline suggests that Starship Flight 12 might target an early April launch. However, the exact date remains contingent on the completion of several critical milestones at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
Key preparations include the testing and certification of upgraded systems at the launch site. These enhancements encompass the new launch tower, launch mount, and tank farm infrastructure, all designed to support the next generation of Starship vehicles.
Booster and Ship Preparations
Booster 19 is anticipated to be moved to the launch site and positioned on the launch mount. Following this, it is expected to return to the production facility for the installation of its 33 Raptor engines. A subsequent static fire test could mark the first time a Super Heavy booster equipped with Raptor V3 engines is ignited on the pad.
Ship 39 will undergo a similar preparation process. The spacecraft will likely be returned to the production site for its six-engine installation before being transported to a test site for static fire testing.
Integrated Testing and Launch Sequence
Once both the booster and ship are fully prepared, they will be integrated for the first full stack of a V3 Super Heavy and V3 Starship. A comprehensive wet dress rehearsal is scheduled to precede any launch attempt.
Future Recovery Strategy
Elon Musk has previously outlined SpaceX’s long-term strategy for recovering Starship’s upper stage, aiming to utilize the launch tower’s robotic arms. The company plans to attempt this advanced recovery method only after achieving two successful soft landings in the ocean.
“Should note that SpaceX will only try to catch the ship with the tower after two perfect soft landings in the ocean. The risk of the ship breaking up over land needs to be very low,” Musk stated in a post on X.
This phased approach is designed to minimize risk before transitioning to land-based recovery operations. The successful implementation of this strategy would represent a significant advancement toward the full reusability of the Starship system, a core objective for SpaceX’s ambitious launch objectives.