SpaceX readies starship for fourth test flight in two weeks

SpaceX, known for its innovation and pushing the boundaries of possibility, has set its sights on overcoming the point where the spacecraft heats the most during its return to Earth. This is an exceptionally challenging task, considering that re-entry is one of the most dangerous moments of the flight—the vehicle is exposed to massive forces and simultaneously heats up to extremely high temperatures.

During the last test flight on 14 March, the Starship rocket reached and exceeded the conventional boundary of outer space. It carried out a series of pre-planned tasks, such as opening the cargo bay, but unfortunately, it was destroyed during its return to Earth.

In preparation for the upcoming test, SpaceX conducted a so-called wet-dress rehearsal of the rocket, which involves filling the tanks with fuel—liquid methane and oxidiser—liquid oxygen. The company stated on the X platform that the test before the fourth launch was complete.

The Starship rocket is the most giant in the history of spaceflight. Its first stage is an impressive 70 metres tall. It is powered by 33 Raptor engines, which collectively generate twice the power of the engines used in the Apollo programme's Saturn V rocket.

The rocket's second stage, designed for spaceflight, is 50 metres tall. It is powered by 6 Raptor engines, three of which are used for manoeuvring in space. The Starship can carry up to 150,000 kilograms of payload to low Earth orbit, more than seven times the payload capacity of the Ariane rocket.

Like other SpaceX rockets, the Starship rocket's most important feature is its reusability. Additionally, the rocket can launch and land in various locations—at the SpaceX spaceport, at the John F. Kennedy Space Center, and on unique ocean-based floating platforms.

According to many experts, the Starship rocket has the potential to revolutionise access to orbit and pave the way for further areas of space exploration.