SpaceX is targeting the launch of its mega Starship rocket this week. It is scheduled to lift off at 5:30 pm IST on October 13, however, the timing is subject to change.

Notably, SpaceX still doesn't have a regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aviation watchdog in the U.S. A delay in procuring the launch permit might also delay the launch.
Starship’s fifth flight test is preparing to launch as soon as October 13, pending regulatory approval → https://t.co/hibmw2lVv1 pic.twitter.com/Suw1kKLHiE — SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 7, 2024
The FAA had previously refused to allow the rocket's launch before November citing safety concerns.
The next mission would mark the fifth test flight of the 400-feet-tall Starship rocket, which SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says is 'the holy grail' of space travel. The live webcast of the test launch will begin 30 minutes prior to liftoff and you can watch it on SpaceX's website or X profile.
Flight 5 will be the most ambitious yet. SpaceX will attempt to catch Starship's Super Heavy booster using a tower. This tower, named Mechazilla, has 'chopstick' arms that will catch the booster which will descend at supersonic speeds. It will be the first time SpaceX will attempt to recover the Super Heavy booster.
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Returning the booster after launch is a core capability to Starship becoming rapidly and reliably reusable pic.twitter.com/j4NSdnNiKr — SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 27, 2024
Meanwhile, the second stage will attempt a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
"The fifth flight test of Starship will aim to take another step towards full and rapid reusability," SpaceX said in a statement. "The primary objectives will be attempting the first ever return to launch site and catch of the Super Heavy booster and another Starship reentry and landing burn, aiming for an on-target splashdown of Starship in the Indian Ocean."
Starship's fourth mission took place on June 6. It was the rocket's most successful flight ever as it survived re-entry and made the first-ever splashdown in the Indian Ocean. SpaceX says that the Flight 5 rocket will fly a similar trajectory as the last one for a controlled reentry and soft water landing.
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(Image: SpaceX)