Mission type | Flight test |
---|---|
Operator | SpaceX |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | Starship S29, Super Heavy B11 |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | NET May 2024 |
Rocket | Starship |
Launch site | Starbase |
Contractor | SpaceX |
SpaceX Starship flights |
SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 4 (IFT-4) is the fourth and upcoming integrated flight test of the SpaceX Starship launch vehicle. SpaceX is expected to perform the flight test in May 2024.[1] The flight aims for the Super Heavy booster to land in the Ocean, and for Ship to relight its Raptor engines in space as well as survive peak heating during atmospheric re-entry.[2]
Further information: SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 3 § Aftermath |
After the third test flight in March 2024 ended in the destruction of the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft, a SpaceX-led mishap investigation overseen by the FAA was triggered. The FAA stated that a license modification may be needed to incorporate corrective actions and meet other requirements.[3] Both approval of SpaceX's final report on the investigation and a completed license modification are required for a launch license to be granted for IFT-4.[4] The communications license necessary for flight 4 was granted by the Federal Communications Commission on April 18.[5] In late April, a NASA official confirmed SpaceX remained on track for the fourth test flight to occur in May 2024.[6] Multiple upgrades are in progress at Starbase in preparation for this launch and subsequent tests with heavy emphasis on the tower arm tests. SpaceX aims to attempt a booster landing with the tower arms as soon as IFT-5 if the virtual landing is successful during IFT-4.[7]