SpaceX Launches Seventh Spacecraft Test Today – Here’s How You See

On January 16, 2025By Littum

Upper line

SpaceX will launch Starship for a seventh test flight on Wednesday, an experiment that will include the spacecraft’s first payload deployment test, marking what could be the latest milestone for the Elon Musk-owned space company as it develops reusable rockets.

The rocket’s latest launch will feature Starship’s first payload installation test.

AFP via Getty Images

Key facts

SpaceX is scheduled to launch the Starship from Boca Chica, Texas, around 5 p.m. EST, with a live stream starting at 16:15 at SpaceX’s X account and website.

The Starship’s flight is expected to last just over 66 minutes, according to to SpaceX, and will feature several experiments for the spacecraft, including Starship’s first payload deployment test – a set of 10 replica Starlink satellites – and tests for upgrades to the spacecraft’s flight computer, avionics and heat shield.

Starship’s Super Heavy booster is reusing one of its 33 engines for the first time, and SpaceX will attempt to capture the booster with two mechanical arms — similar to a successful capture during Starship’s fifth launch test — if conditions are optimal.

During Starship’s sixth launch test in November, the spacecraft splashed down in the Indian Ocean, but an attempt to capture its Super Heavy booster was skipped.

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What if the Starship doesn’t start?

The Federal Aviation Administration has allowed SpaceX to launch Starship between January 9 and January 17, suggesting the company may have until Thursday. SpaceX officials have reportedly said it could take several days to refuel the spacecraft, further delaying Starship’s seventh launch.

What to look for

SpaceX has requested approval from the FAA to increase the maximum number of annual Starship launches from five to 25. The FAA is expected to rule on the proposal after a public comment period ends on January 17.

Key background

SpaceX has launched Starship six times since the spacecraft’s debut flight in April 2023. SpaceX has been testing Starship to make the spacecraft fully reusable, enabling the ship to carry both cargo and people into space. Starship is considered the largest and most powerful rocket ever developed, standing at nearly 400 feet. The first test lasted only four minutes, and a second test flight in November 2023 lasted eight minutes due to a “rapid unplanned disassembly.” The spacecraft successfully entered Earth’s atmosphere during its fourth test launch in June 2024, with SpaceX maintaining contact with the Starship throughout its flight, and the spacecraft completed its first landing burn about an hour after launch.

Key

Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin exposed the launch of its New Glenn rocket on Monday due to poor weather conditions, and another launch will be attempted on January 16. Bezos’ Blue Origin and Musk’s SpaceX have competed in recent years for government contracts and funding to develop a lunar lander for Artemis V, a NASA mission that will return astronauts to the moon in 2029. NASA has said it intends to ask both companies to develop cargo versions of NASA’s manned human landing systems.

Forbes valuation

Musk has a net worth of $424.2 billion, making him the world’s richest person according to our latest estimate. Bezos is the world’s second richest man with a net worth estimated at $236.8 billion.