SpaceX is sending a Starship into orbit in May, get ready, enthusiasts!

SpaceX’s goal that has been delayed for a long time now is getting very close. According to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, they’re launching a Starship into orbit this May as the company plans to have 39 engines ready until April, it will take nearly a month to make them.

According to Elon Musk, the launch will depend on the Raptor 2 engines as these new engines are more capable/reliable than the older ones. SpaceX started building the Raptor 2 engines in December 2021, they also say that this new engine design costs just as much as the predecessor, while delivering a lot more power and using fewer parts, Power both the Starship and the Super Heavy booster and it will be the key to SpaceX’s plans for both the Moon and Mars.

Even though SpaceX says that they are targeting for May (They’re always optimistic) They still need an FAA license for the flight and they have to finish an important environmental review on March 28th and any regulatory flags could stall this launch, so we better hope there aren’t any.

SpaceX is always optimistic about their timelines but a lot of enthusiasts that spent years waiting for a Falcon Heavy flight are still waiting as there are not enough parts. But it is coming very soon.

First Starship orbital flight will be with Raptor 2 engines, as they are much more capable & reliable. 230 ton or ~500k lb thrust at sea level. We’ll have 39 flightworthy engines built by next month, then another month to integrate, so hopefully May for orbital flight test.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 21, 2022