SpaceX is preparing for the 14th test flight of its Starship rocket, scheduled for September 22. The company aims to place the upper stage into Earth orbit for the first time. The launch window opens at 7:15 a.m. CT and lasts for 75 minutes.
During this mission, SpaceX plans to deploy 26 third-generation Starlink satellites. This marks the first Starship flight intended to generate revenue for the company's launch division. The previous test flight occurred in July, following the company's IPO in June.
The company is working to replace its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets with Starship. CEO Elon Musk stated this transition depends on achieving reliable flight frequency. SpaceX has implemented hardware and software modifications to the Super Heavy booster following issues during the 13th flight.
Engineers also updated the Starship heat shield based on data recovered from the upper stage after its simulated landing in the Indian Ocean during the previous mission. SpaceX will not attempt to catch the booster or the upper stage with the launch tower during this flight.
