SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 6 launch and booster recovery test in Texas
SpaceX is set to launch its Starship rocket on Tuesday in a key test of its Mars mission. This sixth flight will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster using "chopstick" arms at the Boca Chica, Texas facility. The uncrewed launch aims for a splashdown of the upper stage in the Indian Ocean. It will also include a first in-space burn with a single Raptor engine. The launch window opens at 4 PM local time (10 PM GMT), with a live stream starting 40 minutes prior. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th rocket flight of 2024, surpassing last year's record of 96. The company aims to perfect Starship's landing for future reuse, as Elon Musk plans to build a fleet for Mars colonization.