The world's most powerful rocket is waiting for its next test. When do we start?

The next test launch of the SpaceX spacecraft, called Starship Flight 5, is scheduled for Sunday, October 13, when it will be 2 p.m. in Poland. The launch window, i.e. the time when the rocket can be launched from the Starbase complex in Boca Chica, Texas, will close. at 2:30 p.m.

This is the fifth test flight attempt by SpaceX and its massive Starship rocket, the world's largest and most powerful launch vehicle. During this flight, SpaceX hopes to have the rocket fly smoothly, re-enter orbit, and ultimately launch it in the Indian Ocean. However, as a “surprise”, SpaceX will attempt to return the first stage of the rocket (booster), i.e. Super Heavy, to the launch pad and capture it in the air using giant metal pincers, called “sticks” by the company. This system was designed to reduce the launch time of Starship rockets.

“SpaceX engineers have spent years preparing and months of testing to attempt to catch the booster, and technicians have devoted tens of thousands of hours to building the infrastructure that will maximize our chances of success,” the mission review said. “Starship's fifth test flight will aim to take another step towards full and rapid reusability,” it added. “The primary goal will be to attempt the first-ever return to the launch site and catch the Super Heavy launch vehicle, and another Starship reentry and landing with the goal of splashing the Starship in the Indian Ocean.”

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which licenses commercial rocket launches, announced Saturday that SpaceX “has met all safety, environmental and other licensing requirements for the suborbital test flight.”