SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 5 (IFT-5) will be the fifth integrated flight test of a prototype Starship launch vehicle. The prototype vehicles planned to be flown are the Ship 30 upper-stage and Booster 12. ^[1]

Based on comments from Elon Musk, the fifth flight test is expected no earlier than August 2024. ^[2] In April 2024, Musk stated that the if B11's 'virtual tower' landing during IFT-4 was successful, flight five may involve a catch of the Super Heavy booster, which he reiterated on 6 June, after IFT-4 had concluded. ^{[3] [4]}

Background

Development prior to launch

During a company all-hands in April 2024, Musk expanded briefly on the goals of flight 5, stating that the first tower landing could occur on IFT-5, depending on B11's virtual landing performance during flight 4. ^[3] In June, Musk stated the heatshield tiles on the flight 5 vehicle will be twice as strong along with a new ablative protection layer underneath. ^[5] The process of removing the old Thermal Protection System began on 11 June. ^[6] The FAA confirmed on 12 June that no mishap investigation would be required prior to flight 5 launch. ^[7] The communications license from the FCC for IFT-5 was applied for with a start date of 19 July. ^[8] Multiple tests occurred with the hydraulic arms on the launch tower in preparation for the booster catch. ^[9]

Vehicle testing ahead of launch

Design revisions on Ship 30 include a new vent on the liquid methane tank and another vent with a new valve design on the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank. ^[10] Two arrays of small radio antennas were redesigned and relocated near the payload bay instead of the ship's nosecone, with one array concealed beneath the ship's heat shield. ^[11]

Static fire testing of Ship 30 occurred in early May in preparation for flight 5. ^[12] This was the last static fire conducted at the now-demolished Suborbital Pad B, ^[13] as future tests will use the static fire stand at Massey's Test Site. ^[14] Booster 12 moved to the pad on July 9th. ^[15] The booster performed a spin prime test on July 12th; it was the first time a spin prime test was performed since Booster 9 in August of 2023. ^[16] A static fire of Booster 12 was completed on July 15th. ^[17]

See also

• SpaceX Starship flight tests
• SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 1
• SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 2
• SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 3
• SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 4

References