SpaceX Starship Integrated Flight Test 2 has been delayed 24 hours to no sooner than Saturday, November 18th, with the 20-minute launch window opening at 7 AM CT (13:00 UTC).
Rumors began swirling earlier today because the equipment needed to destack Starship from atop Booster 9 arrived back on the launch site and was then confirmed by Elon Musk on X that they would wish to remove Starship and the new stage ring with a purpose to replace a grid fin actuator.
We want to interchange a grid fin actuator, so launch is postponed to Saturday
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 16, 2023
This can even give SpaceX just a little more time to finish another last-second launch flow procedures to make sure every thing flows easily before the planned launch attempt.
SpaceX landed the crucial FAA license for the second Starship test flight on Wednesday.
SpaceX lands FAA license for 2nd Starship launch
If SpaceX is unable to launch on Saturday, they do have one other opportunity on Sunday, however the weather starts coming into play on Sunday and Monday, and with Thanksgiving next week, that might also force a delay into the twenty seventh and beyond. SpaceX is barely allotted just a few closures per 12 months, and usually, around major holidays, they’re unable to shut the launch site.
All eyes will definitely be on Starbase early Saturday morning because the world’s strongest rocket attempts its 2nd test flight.
SpaceX will probably be streaming the launch on their website and naturally, on X. Make sure to tune in in the event you’re not in the realm for the launch.