SpaceX Schedules Starship Launch for November 18

SpaceX is preparing for its sixth Starship test flight on November 18, following the successful launch and booster catch of Flight 5. The Federal Aviation Administration has already approved this mission, which will include a suborbital flight and a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Flight 6 aims to demonstrate a relight of a Raptor vacuum engine and test new thermal protection materials. This will be the last flight of the Block 1 version of the Ship upper stage, with future versions featuring significant upgrades. SpaceX is also focusing on improving booster catch reliability and addressing issues identified in previous flights.