SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 4

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Starship integrated flight test 4
Mission typeFlight test
OperatorSpaceX
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftStarship S29, Super Heavy B11
Start of mission
Launch dateNET May 2024
RocketStarship
Launch siteStarbase
ContractorSpaceX
← IFT-3
IFT-5 →
 

SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 4 (IFT-4) is the fourth and upcoming integrated flight test of the SpaceX Starship launch vehicle. SpaceX is expected to perform the flight test in May 2024.[1] The flight aims for the Super Heavy booster to land in the Ocean, and for Starship to relight its Raptor engines in space as well as survive peak heating during atmospheric re-entry.[2]

Background[edit]

Further information: SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 3 § Aftermath

Development prior to launch[edit]

After the third test flight (IFT-3) in March 2024 ended in the destruction of the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft, a SpaceX-led mishap investigation overseen by the FAA was triggered. The FAA stated that a license modification may be needed to incorporate corrective actions and meet other requirements.[3] Both approval of SpaceX's final report on the investigation and a completed license modification are required for a launch license to be granted for IFT-4.[4] The communications license necessary for flight 4 was granted by the Federal Communications Commission on April 18.[5] In late April, a NASA official confirmed SpaceX remained on track for the fourth test flight to occur in May 2024.[6] Multiple upgrades are in progress at Starbase in preparation for this launch and subsequent tests with heavy emphasis on the tower arm tests. SpaceX aims to attempt a booster landing with the tower arms as soon as IFT-5 if the virtual landing is successful during IFT-4.

Vehicle testing ahead of launch[edit]

See also: SpaceX Super Heavy § B9-B12, and SpaceX Starship (spacecraft) § Ship 28 – Ship 32

After IFT-3, Ship 29 was lifted onto Suborbital Pad B for 3 static fire tests in late March 2024, and was later returned to the High Bay for pre-flight modifications. Booster 11 conducted a 33-engine static-fire at the orbital launch mount on April 5, and was rolled back to Mega Bay 1 afterwards for modifications. B11's vented interstage was later installed in early May.[7]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Zafar, Ramish (April 26, 2024). "SpaceX's Fourth Starship IFT-4 Test Is On Track For May Reveals NASA Official". Wccftech. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  2. ^ Davenport, Justin (April 19, 2024). "As IFT-4 prepares for launch, Starship's future is coming into focus". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  3. ^ "FAA Statements on Aviation Accidents and Incidents". FAA. March 14, 2024. March 14, 2024, Commercial Space / Boca Chica, Texas. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  4. ^ "Marcia Smith on X: "At media bfg at Space Symp now, FAA/AST's..."". X. April 10, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  5. ^ "License granted: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dates: 04/25/2024-10/25/2024 Purpose: Launch vehicle communications for test flight mission launching from Starbase, TX".
  6. ^ Beil, Adrian (April 28, 2024). "NASA Updates on Starship Refueling, as SpaceX Prepares Flight 4 of Starship". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  7. ^ Weber, Ryan (May 5, 2024). "Ship 30 set to Static Fire next week as Flight 4 Preparations Continue". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
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