- SpaceX has delayed the launch of its next generation Starship rocket for a second time with a new launch window opening on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m. CT (11:30 p.m. BST).
- The launch will mark the first flight of what is described as the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built. The fully stacked Starship and Super Heavy booster measure over 124 meters and weigh approximately 5,000 metric tons, featuring expanded fuel capacity, improved payload space, and 33 Raptor 3 engines capable of generating 18 million pounds of thrust.
- This launch is critical for NASA's Artemis program, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, and is also vital for Elon Musk's long-term goal of sending humans to Mars, with previous setbacks having caused delays.
- The success of this flight test is particularly important for SpaceX, as the company is expected to go public in an initial public offering next month, with the IPO's outcome potentially influenced by the mission's results.
- The launch from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas will be live-streamed, though the booster will not attempt a return to the launch site for catch during this initial test of the redesigned vehicle.
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Starship launch: How to watch make-or-break SpaceX mission this week
