SpaceX Will Attempt to Launch First Starship Orbital Test Flight in March, CEO Elon Musk Announces

SpaceX has a target launch date for Starship. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared the update for the awaited blast-off on Twitter.

SpaceX to Launch Starship For Its First Orbital Test Flight Next Month

The Tesla and Twitter CEO has been active on the micro-blogging site Tesla East Bay Fremont commented on one of Musk's tweets and asked the billionaire if he was already back in Texas and if Starship was almost ready.

Musk replied that if the remaining tests go as expected, they will try to launch Starship next month. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1621998434289942529

Several outlets have quoted the tweet, including Drive Tesla, which reported that Starship could launch in March. The genius entrepreneur and inventor shared the report on Twitter and emphasized that they will make an "attempt to launch in March." He assured fans that excitement is guaranteed but also reminded them that success is far from certain.

On Jan. 7, Musk also gave an update about Starship's first-ever orbital test flight. At the time, he said they had a real shot at making it late February. However, he added that a March launch attempt was more likely.

Musk gave the update when a fan asked online if Starship's orbital launch could happen on Jan. 31.

If remaining tests go well, we will attempt a Starship launch next month
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 4, 2023

* attempt to launch in March. Success is far from certain, but excitement is guaranteed.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 5, 2023

ALSO READ : SpaceX Completes First Wet Dress Rehearsal For Starship, Spacecraft on Track For Orbital Test Flight

Is SpaceX's Starship Ready to Launch?

In mid-January, SpaceX shared aerial photos of its 395-feet rocket from its orbital launch pad at its Texas facility in Boca, Chica, Texas. In the image, Starship is fully stacked on its orbital launch pad, and many were convinced it could launch anytime soon.

In late January, SpaceX completed the first wet dress rehearsal for Starship. It was the first time an integrated Ship and Booster were fully loaded with over 10 million pounds of propellant. From there, fans were excited that the launch would happen sooner.

Starship Fun Facts

Starship is 396 feet (120 meters) tall and weighs 11 million pounds (5 million kilograms). It can thrust up to 16 million pounds. It uses oxygen and methane for its liquid fuel and is powered by 32 raptor engines.

Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rockets are collectively known as Starship. It is a fully reusable transportation designed to transport crew and cargo to Earth's orbit, the Moon and Mars.

It is believed to be the most powerful launch vehicle because it can reportedly carry over 100 metric tonnes to Earth orbit. Compared to Falcon vehicles, its large payload compartment enables Starship to support new missions and carry a huge space telescope even bigger than James Webb.

Starship's orbital launch has been delayed for over a year already. The SpaceX CEO previously said it would be in orbit sometime in 2022. Apparently, it did not materialize.

Musk aims to make human life "multi-planetary." He predicted that in the future, people could live on several planets, and Starships would cater to the demand for multi-planetary transportation.