Elon Musk on X confirms that SpaceX is targeting January 10th for the next launch of Starship. This comes less than two months from flight 6, which occurred on November 19th. The agency was approved for flight 7 by the FAA with a modified launch license back in December.
The launch window will last 1 hour and 37 minutes, beginning at 1600 CST. NASA is planning to use imaging aircraft to collect data on the reentry of Starship.
SpaceX still has more work to do to prepare for their upcoming flight. A complete wet dress rehearsal (WRD) has yet to be completed. SpaceX also has yet to share anything regarding the launch status of the vehicle. As of this writing, there are no currently issued temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) or notice to mariners (NOTMARs). The flight termination system, one of the final steps before launch, has yet to be installed.
SpaceX currently has no beach closures authorized.
SpaceX plans to follow a similar launch plan as their fifth and sixth flights. The booster will be caught at the launch pad as long as landing criteria can be met. SpaceX also plans to reuse an engine that was previously flown on Booster 12 during flight 5.
Weather may be a factor in flight 7 leaving the ground. Early wind forecasts are projecting gusts up to 30 mph on the Friday afternoon of the launch window. Saturday also expects windy weather conditions.
Regardless of when Starship leaves the pad again, the launch date is getting closer and closer. If you are planning to travel to Texas to witness it, start now!
