SAN FRANCISCO, iNews.id – bunch SpaceX Elon Musk hopes the first orbital flight of the next-generation Starship rocket will take place in January 2022 or sometime later. Musk revealed the targeted launch date at a joint meeting of the National Academies of Science Studies Board and Board on Physics and Astronomy.
“We are close to our initial orbital launch,” Musk said in comments reported by Space News.
The SpaceX boss said the company hoped to make its maiden launch in January, though later said it would be in January or possibly February. Launches from SpaceX’s facility in Boca Chica, Texas, also require regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Starship consists of a second stage Starship spaceship and a first stage Super Heavy booster. The spacecraft is powered by six Raptor engines and has been tested in a series of short altitude flights.
The vehicle performed well in the air during its test flights but frequently crashed late in the mission while trying to land upright. However, on its last flight in May, it finally managed to land. The Super Heavy, along with the Starship spacecraft – will make an initial launch with 29 Raptor engines, with a few more added for later test flights.
Editor: Dini Listiyani
