Starship's Seventh Flight Test

Starship's Seventh Flight Test
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 14, 2025

The seventh flight test of SpaceX's Starship is scheduled to launch on Wednesday, January 15. This flight test will showcase a new iteration of Starship with substantial upgrades, marking its first payload deployment test, multiple reentry experiments, and both the launch and return of the Super Heavy booster.

Among the upgrades to Starship's upper stage are redesigned forward flaps relocated closer to the vehicle's tip, reducing exposure to reentry heating and simplifying associated systems. Propulsion improvements include a 25% increase in propellant volume, vacuum-insulated feedlines, a revamped fuel feedline system for the Raptor vacuum engines, and an enhanced propulsion avionics module for precise control and sensor data integration. The heat shield now features advanced tiles with a backup layer to mitigate damage from missing or compromised tiles.

A complete redesign of the avionics system enhances mission capability and redundancy for tasks such as propellant transfer and ship return. The updates include a more powerful flight computer, integrated communication antennas combining Starlink, GNSS, and RF functions, improved navigation sensors, and smart power systems delivering 2.7MW across 24 high-voltage actuators. With over 30 onboard cameras, engineers will gain comprehensive insights into performance, while Starlink enables real-time high-definition video and telemetry at speeds exceeding 120 Mbps.

During the test, Starship will deploy 10 Starlink simulators-scaled to match the size and weight of next-generation Starlink satellites. These simulators will follow a suborbital trajectory, targeting splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The mission will also attempt to relight a single Raptor engine while in space.

Experiments during this flight aim to advance reusability. On Starship's upper stage, specific areas will undergo stress-testing with deliberate removal of tiles. Alternative materials, including actively cooled metallic tiles, will be evaluated. Additional experiments include testing non-structural ship catch fittings and a redesigned tile edge to mitigate reentry hot spots. The reentry profile will push the structural limits of the flaps under maximum dynamic pressure. Radar sensors on the launch tower's chopsticks will also be assessed to improve accuracy during booster catches.

The Super Heavy booster will employ hardware previously proven in flight, including a Raptor engine reused from Starship's fifth test. Upgrades to the launch tower enhance reliability for booster catches and protect chopstick-mounted sensors that experienced damage during earlier tests.

Booster recovery will proceed only if all systems meet strict criteria. Manual authorization by the Flight Director is required before the boostback burn. Otherwise, the booster will default to a controlled soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring public and team safety remains the top priority.

The booster's descent will produce sonic booms in the landing area, akin to thunder. Weather and proximity to the landing zone will influence the perceived intensity.

A live webcast will start approximately 35 minutes before liftoff and can be viewed on SpaceX's website, the X platform @SpaceX, or via the X TV app. The current launch window opens at 4:00 p.m. CT. January 15.