On Thursday, the largest rocket ever built in the world is set to launch into space for the first time. The SpaceX Starship is expected to almost fly around the world during its maiden voyage. The initial launch attempt was aborted on Monday due to a pressure valve issue, but the company is now planning to launch at 3:28 p.m. CEST.
The launch window will be 62 minutes long, allowing for a launch attempt until 16:30 CEST. SpaceX will begin a live stream on YouTube around 45 minutes beforehand, while heise online will report live on the preparations.
The Starship is currently assembled to about 120 m in height, making it taller than NASA’s SLS moon rocket and the Apollo program’s Saturn V. The first prototype was presented by Elon Musk in September 2019, with the first test flight taking place in December 2020. However, subsequent prototypes experienced crashes or explosions.
Despite the delays, the speed of development is rapid, and the FAA has issued a take-off permit for the Starship. SpaceX meets all the necessary requirements for safety, environment, regulation, payload, airspace integration, and financial responsibility. The license is valid for five years.
