SpaceX Starship Flight 9 Set to Launch Today at 4:30 PST

Quick Summary

• Event: The ninth flight test of SpaceXS Starship is scheduled for launch on Tuesday, May 27, with a window opening at 6:30 p.m. CT.
• Webcast: A live webcast will be available approximately 30 minutes before liftoff on SpaceX.com and X @spacex.
• Hardware Updates:

– Multiple changes implemented to improve reliability following the loss on the eighth flight test.
– First reuse of a Super Heavy booster, incorporating data-driven refinements from its prior deployment.

• Key Objectives:

– Experiments to enhance performance and reliability of boosters during future launches.
– The upper stage aims for suborbital trajectory goals not achieved previously, including payload deployment and reentry experiments focused on vehicle recovery for catch operations.

• Experiments Overview:

– Testing unique engine configurations during landing burn phases for collecting backup-engine functionality data.
– Deployment of eight simulated payloads resembling Starlink satellites (expected to demise upon reentry).
– Stress-testing thermal tiles and option materials during upper-stage reentry profile tests.

• Trajectory Notes:

– Super Heavy tests higher drag angles and boosts safety measures by managing offshore landing scenarios in the Gulf of America instead of returning directly to the launch site.

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