After weeks of changed notices, SpaceX has publicly announced May 27th as the launch date for their next Starship mission. Officially, their launch window is open 6:30pm to 8:00pm CDT. As of now, they have backup opportunities available the following two days.
What is Different for Flight 9?
Flight 9 will see the first reuse of Booster 14, which was used during Flight 7. 29 of the booster’s 33 engines were previously flown on Flight 7.
Unlike more recent launches, the Super Heavy Booster will not be attempting a “chopstick” catch back at the launch pad. Instead, SpaceX will be testing different descent experiments, including deliberately not igniting an engine previously used for pad landing burn. The booster will land in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 7 minutes after takeoff.
Ship 35 will carry 8 Starlink demo simulators that will follow a similar trajectory and are expected to burn up during reentry.
New Warnings
The FAA cleared SpaceX to resume flight late last week. However, different safety notices not seen in past flights are being posted. SpaceX’s last two launches from Boca Chica resulted in the loss of the Starship and caused problems for aircraft and those on the ground with debris. New aircraft hazard warnings posted by the FAA show risks of debris approximately 1,600 miles from Texas, as far as the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Launch Forecast
Tuesday looks to be a perfect day for launch, with temperatures in the 90s with only about a 15% chance of rain. That chance increase later into the evening. Wednesday and Thursday both show chances for rain and thunderstorms.
What Still Has to Happen?
Booster 14 was transported to the launch site earlier this morning. Ship 35 is currently being transported to the launch pad. Stacking of the vehicles should be happening soon. Flight termination system hardware has already been installed.
Elon Musk reported on X that he plans to give an update on the Starship program titled “Making Life Multiplanetary” on Tuesday afternoon before the launch window opens. It will be broadcasted on X at 1pm EDT.
Travel Warning
The Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year. If you are planning to visit Texas to watch the launch, please give yourself adequate time.
