SpaceX could launch and catch a massive spacecraft this Sunday

SpaceX is preparing to launch the 37-story spacecraft again as early as Sunday, pending regulatory approval.

This will be the fifth Starship launch, and it could be an especially amazing spectacle: SpaceX plans to catch the 21-story booster on the launch pad shortly after liftoff.

The news comes as something of a surprise because last month the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it did not expect to issue a ruling on the proposed launch before the end of November. However, on Monday, SpaceX posted on X that the test flight could begin as early as Sunday.

In a statement to NASASpace Flights, the FAA, a private aerospace news organization, said it was reviewing new information provided by SpaceX about the proposed flight. She did not mention the November deadline.

Moreover, SpaceX was grounded after launching the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station on September 29, after the second stage passed the orbital launch zone. Last Monday, special approval was given for the launch of NASA's Hera mission.

NASA is also waiting to launch its Clipper Europa mission to Jupiter's moon, which was scheduled to launch Thursday atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. The launch was postponed due to Hurricane Milton, but it may take place as early as Sunday.

Improvements

Starship's next integrated flight test (IFT5) has seen a number of changes since its last launch, IFT4, in June.

During IFT4, viewers had the unprecedented view of Starship re-entering the atmosphere with plasma surrounding it. The heat generated during re-entry was too great for one of the plate-covered flaps to absorb the heat, and it suffered some damage. Despite this, the probe managed to re-enter and successfully “land” in the Indian Ocean.

SpaceX has since updated its heat shield to a newer generation, along with additional layers it hopes will provide better protection.

But the big news for IFT5 is what's new: Once the super-heavy booster separates from Starship, SpaceX intends to try to catch it back to the launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, using so-called “sticks” that can be seen holding Starship before launch.

The decision to capture it will be made six minutes and 50 seconds after launch, and a powerful sonic boom is expected when the booster re-enters the coast. This will be the first test of this type using a weapon and such a large supporting device.

“The infrastructure to catch a returning booster instead of landing like Falcon (SpaceX) is new and has never been tested before in the history of aerospace,” said Jordan Bimm, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago and a space historian.

“It will be time to see this test that will determine whether IFT4 can be considered a development success.”

Bimm says if this is successful, the next step will likely be to launch the spacecraft full orbit because so far these launchers have been suborbital in nature, meaning they have not completely circled the Earth.

SpaceX vs. FAA

The dispute between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and the FAA has been raging for several weeks, with Musk sharply criticizing the regulator's proposed $633,000 fine over SpaceX's launch problems and the delay of IFT5, which the company says is ready to launch in August .

Musk threatened a lawsuit and called for FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker's resignation. IFT5's expected sonic boom was one of the issues the FAA cited for the extended approval, due to nearby wildlife and populated areas.

At a congressional hearing last month, Whitaker said the delay “had to do with SpaceX's application and failure to disclose that it violated Texas and federal law on certain issues, which is a condition of obtaining the permit.”

SpaceX disputed this claim.

If the launch happens on Sunday, it's likely there will be another launch soon, as SpaceX has already tested another booster and spacecraft.

Musk hopes that Starship will one day carry people to Mars. However, in the near future it will be used to transport astronauts to the lunar surface as part of NASA's Artemis III mission scheduled for 2026.

Bimm will be watching the next launch closely.

“The relative success of IFT4 has given momentum to the Starship program,” he said.

“I will be monitoring whether IFT5 will be able to build on this momentum or whether there will be a regression or failure to achieve this new set of goals.”