SpaceX Targets Historic Starship Test of 2024 for Third Launch Attempt on March 14

SpaceX is preparing for its third Starship test of 2024, aiming for a historic orbital flight of the world’s largest rocket on March 14. The launch is set to take place from SpaceX’s Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas.

The upcoming test, scheduled for March 14 with a 110-minute window, targets liftoff at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The company plans to webcast the event starting at 8 a.m. EDT.

Starship is a massive rocket designed by SpaceX, consisting of the Starship vehicle and its Super Heavy booster. The combined height of the two stages is 400 feet, with the first stage powered by 33 Raptor engines.

SpaceX envisions Starship as a versatile and fully reusable launch system for various missions, including deep-space exploration, heavy-lift launches, and space tourism. Notably, NASA has selected Starship for its Human Landing System program aiming to land astronauts on the moon by 2026.

SpaceX has faced challenges in previous attempts to reach orbit with Starship. The first two test flights ended without achieving the desired objectives. However, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of space technology.

If successful, the third Starship test will mark a significant advancement in SpaceX’s quest for reliable and reusable space transportation. The mission includes various critical objectives such as propellant transfer tests and engine restarts in space.

Observers can watch the live webcast of the historic Starship test on SpaceX’s Twitter account, with the coverage starting 30 minutes before liftoff. Additionally, several independent livestreams are expected to provide real-time coverage and analysis of the launch.

Around the launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, spectators can gather at public beach areas like South Padre Island to witness the event. The launch is expected to demonstrate complex maneuvers for both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage.

In case the March 14 launch is delayed, backup dates might be in place, with road closures in Cameron County indicating the potential for extended testing schedules. The FAA has granted clearance for the third test flight, highlighting SpaceX’s compliance with safety and environmental standards.