SpaceX sets date for next Starship flight, explains what went wrong last time
Clearing blocked filters and clogged valves is key
SpaceX is preparing to launch its massive Starship rocket on its fourth flight test from its Starbase facilities in southern Texas as soon as next week.
The launch looks likely to take place in the next week or so, with SpaceX saying it could be as soon as 5 June.
The 400-foot-tall (122 meters) Starship has flown three times to date, in April 2023, November 2023, and March 14 of this year.
However, the last flight, which was an uncrewed test, ended in an explosion shortly after liftoff. SpaceX has since been investigating the cause of the failure and has made a number of changes to the rocket in an effort to prevent it from happening again.
In a press conference on Monday, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that the explosion was caused by a combination of factors, including a blocked filter in the rocket's fuel system and a clogged valve in the engine.
Musk said that the company has since cleared the filter and replaced the valve, and that he is confident that the rocket is now safe to fly.
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