SpaceX has still yet to release any final details on the first Starship orbital launch, but we now have an update from CEO Elon Musk.
On Thursday, Musk said, “SpaceX will be ready to launch Starship in a few weeks, then launch timing depends on FAA license approval.”
Last month, SpaceX performed its first static fire of 33 Raptor engines on its Booster 7 that will take Starship to orbit. In January, the company completed its first wet dress rehearsal for Starship.
“Assuming that takes a few weeks, first launch attempt will be near end of third week of April, aka …”, said Musk, referring to the “420”, the cannabis culture slang for marijuana.
Many responding to Musk’s teasing of an April Starship orbital launch asked if there would be ample notice for those seeking to watch the historic event in person. Given the sheer magnitude of the launch, you can bet many will be heading down to SpaceX’s Starbase site in South Texas.
SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket are known together as Starship, a fully reusable transportation system “designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond,” says the company.
Starship will be able to carry up to 150 metric tonnes to Earth orbit reusable, and up to 250 metric tonnes expendable, making it the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, says SpaceX.
