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[TECHNOLOGY] · United States, Chile · 7 sources

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SpaceX prepares Starship for first planned orbital flight test

SpaceX is preparing for Starship Flight 14, the first planned mission to attempt a full orbital profile. The 124-meter vehicle, consisting of Ship 41 and Super Heavy booster B21, was recently stacked at the Starbase facility in Texas.

Unlike previous suborbital tests, this mission aims to reach an altitude of approximately 275 km and complete six orbits around Earth. During the flight, SpaceX plans to deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites to expand the capacity and speed of its satellite internet constellation. The mission is expected to conclude with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile.

Preparations include a completed Wet Dress Rehearsal to test fuel loading and launch sequences. While a launch window is anticipated as early as September 28, the company awaits a flight license from the FAA. The Super Heavy booster is scheduled to attempt a landing burn at an offshore location in the Gulf of Mexico.

Entities

Elon Musk · FAA · NASA · SpaceX · Starbase · Starship

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