Starship's fifth flight test could launch as early as October 13, subject to regulatory approval from the regulator. The launch window will open as early as 7:00 am CT. As with all development tests, the schedule is subject to change, Elon Musk s company informs. In a note, it underlines the success of test no. 4. Starship's 5th flight test will aim to take another step toward full and rapid reusability of the shuttle. The primary objectives will be to attempt to return to the launch site and capture the Super Heavy booster, and to re-enter with a landing on water in the Indian Ocean.

Compared to previous tests, new versions of software and hardware have been implemented on both the Super Heavy rocket and the Starship spacecraft, as well as significant upgrades to the launch tower infrastructure and the carrier capture system at Starbase Boca Chica, Brownsville, Texas. Additionally, one of the key upgrades on the spacecraft before flight was a complete rework of its heat shield, replacing the entire thermal protection system with next-generation tiles.

Starship will fly a similar trajectory to its previous flight test, with a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. A live webcast of the flight test will begin approximately 30 minutes before liftoff, and will be available to watch as per the directions provided on SpaceX’s home-page.