On January 10, 2025, SpaceX is preparing to launch the 7th test flight of its giant Starship rocket, marking an important step in the development of this revolutionary launcher. This date, announced by Elon Musk at the end of 2024, will see the first flight of the Starship Block 2, an improved version of the upper stage of the launcher.
Objectives and innovations of the 7th flight
The main objective of this flight is to reproduce the feat of the 5th test, where the first stage Super Heavy had managed to land smoothly on the mechanical arms of the launch tower.
This maneuver, which did not work in the 6th test, is crucial for the launcher’s reusability.
Starship Block 2 brings several significant improvements:
- Increased fuel capacity: Tanks are 25% larger, allowing longer missions.
- Enhanced heat shield: Use of latest generation tiles and an additional layer of protection.
- Redesigned flaps: Repositioned at the end of the vessel to reduce heat exposure during re-entry.
- Optimized propulsion system: New fuel supply system and improved avionics propulsion module.
- Avionics rethought: Added a more powerful flight computer, built-in antennas and redesigned sensors.
Preparation for future missions
These improvements pave the way for more complex missions, including:
- The deployment of 10 Starlink simulators during this flight.
- A future test of transfer of fuel in orbit between two Starships.
- Lunar missions planned for the end of the decade, in collaboration with NASA.
SpaceX is already working on Block 3 of the Starship and also plans improvements for the Super Heavy. With up to 24 test flights planned in 2025, the company aims to intensify its launch campaigns, thus preparing the ground for manned missions to the Moon and Mars in the near future.
SHARE