On January 15, 2025, SpaceX is set to conduct the seventh test flight of its Starship rocket from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The rocket has been positioned vertically next to its launch tower following successful static tests.
The launch window will open at 23:30 local time in Poland, with a live broadcast available on SpaceX's channel on X, starting at 22:15.
This mission marks a significant step as SpaceX attempts to recover the Super Heavy booster, a 70-meter tall component, after its separation from the spacecraft. The booster will aim to return to the launch site, where it will be captured by a massive arm attached to the tower. This recovery has only been successful once before, during the fifth flight in October.
For the first time, the upper stage of the Starship will carry a payload, simulating new Starlink satellites intended for future deployment in low Earth orbit. This mission represents a critical advancement toward SpaceX's goal of launching heavy payloads into space.
In 2025, SpaceX plans to accelerate its Starship development efforts, including an upcoming test for in-orbit fuel loading, a vital step for future space missions. The company aims for initial uncrewed missions to the Moon and Mars, with hopes of launching the first crewed mission to the Red Planet by 2026.