SpaceX Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket, goes on its second test flight

The second test flight of SpaceX’s Starship rocket was permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA said it found that SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and liability requirements. The first orbital launch test of Starship and its Super Heavy booster in April ended with a huge explosion and flames.

The second test of the SpaceX Starship rocket will be on November 17

Following FAA approval, SpaceX announced in a statement that the second test of the Starship rocket will be held on November 17. During the first test flight in recent months, a malfunction occurred in the rocket, and approximately four minutes after the flight, SpaceX initiated the rocket’s self-destruct protocol. In a report published in September, SpaceX said that propellant leaking from the Super Heavy booster “disconnected the vehicle’s primary flight computer” and caused the malfunction.

SpaceX took dozens of corrective measures, including redesigning the vehicle, to prevent leaks and fires. At the same time, the launch pad was also completely changed. The launch pad was shattered to pieces by the Starship’s immense power as a result of the first test.

For now, the FAA has granted SpaceX a license to fly Starship for one flight. The company will begin the spacecraft’s two-hour launch window on November 17 at 16:00 ET, and if all goes well, Starship will fly for 90 minutes after launch before making its own vertical descent into the Pacific Ocean. Of course, Starship must be successful in test flights before it can enter service. A fully reusable spacecraft is very important not only for SpaceX but also for NASA. Starship, which is a critical part of the Artemis missions, is also planned to be used in missions to Mars.