SpaceX is preparing for its seventh integrated flight test (IFT 7), featuring Ship 33 (version 2) and Booster 14 (version 1). This iteration introduces significant upgrades aimed at improving performance, reusability, and survivability during reentry.
Design Upgrades
Smaller, Repositioned Forward Flaps:
- The forward flaps are now smaller and shifted towards the tip of the spacecraft.
- They have been moved further back (leeward) to minimize heat impingement on the hinge during reentry.
Increased Propellant Capacity:
- Propellant capacity has been increased by 25%.
Improved Heat Shield:
- A new generation of heat shield tiles has been introduced, featuring an additional layer beneath the tiles for added thermal protection.
- For this test, many heat shield tiles will be intentionally removed to stress-test the vehicle’s structural resilience.
Firsts for Flight #7
Payload Deployment Test:
- Flight #7 will include the first payload deployment test using 10 Starlink dummies, simulating satellite deployment.
Raptor Engine Reuse:
- For the first time, SpaceX will reuse a Raptor engine from IFT 5, marking a critical milestone for engine reusability.
Challenging Reentry Profile:
- The reentry profile for Ship 33 is specifically designed to push the spacecraft to its limits, exposing potential weak points in its thermal protection and structural systems.
Enhanced Tracking and Recovery Efforts
It appears SpaceX has dispatched additional ships from Australia to track Ship 33's reentry and landing. This increased effort might also hint at the possibility of recovering Starship post-flight, providing valuable data for future iterations.
Timeline of Integrated Flight Tests (IFT)
| Name | Date | Days Elapsed |
|---|---|---|
| IFT 1 | 20.04.2023 | |
| IFT 2 | 18.11.2023 | 212 |
| IFT 3 | 14.03.2024 | 117 |
| IFT 4 | 06.06.2024 | 84 |
| IFT 5 | 13.10.2024 | 129 |
| IFT 6 | 19.11.2024 | 37 |
| IFT 7 | 16.01.2025 | 58 |
Insights and Analysis
Reentry Aerodynamics and Heating:
- Joe Tegtmeyer’s video provides an in-depth discussion of Ship 33’s reentry dynamics:
Comparing Starship Versions:
- Tim Dodd examines the differences between Starship V1 and V2:
Key Specifications of Starship
| Full Stack | |
| Height: | 120m |
| Diameter: | 9m |
| Payload capacity (fully reusable): | 100 – 150t |
| Starship Spacecraft | |
| Height: | 50m |
| Diameter: | 9m |
| Super Heavy Booster Rocket | |
| Height: | 69m |
| Diameter: | 9m |
Flight Trajectory
Details of the mission trajectory can be found on SpaceX’s official page: Starship Flight 7.
Live Streams
There will be plenty of live streams available. Links will be added when available
SpaceX Stream on Twitter @SpaceX
NASASpaceflight: SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 7 and Attempts Another Booster Catch
Tim Dodd: Watch SpaceX Try To Catch Starship's Super Heavy Booster!
Ellie in Space: Flight 7 Starship Launch LIVE!
More Information
Tim Dodd was lucky enough to get three guided tours around Starbase by Elon Musk:
Tour 2024:
- First Look Inside SpaceX's Starfactory w/ Elon Musk
- Join Elon Musk on a tour of Starship just before it launches! (w/ post launch interview)
Tour 2022:
- 2022 Elon Musk Explains Updates To Starship And Starbase!
- Go up SpaceX's Starship-catching robotic launch tower with Elon Musk!
- Elon Musk Explains SpaceX's Merlin Engine!
- Elon Musk Explains SpaceX's Raptor Engine!
Tour 2021:
- Starbase Tour with Elon Musk [PART 1 // Summer 2021]
- Starbase Tour with Elon Musk [PART 2 // Summer 2021]
- Starbase Launchpad Tour with Elon Musk [PART 3 // Summer 2021]
Further information
StarshipGazer.com: Useful Starship links
Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia
FAA: SpaceX Starship Super Heavy Project at the Boca Chica Launch Site
FAA: Licensed Launches
Starship OFT flight plan
Lex Fridman: Starship: The most powerful rocket ever made | Tim Dodd and Lex Fridman
SpaceX Starship Explosive Potential, and Big Bang Theory