SpaceX Starship's first orbital flight test on track after successful launch rehearsal

SpaceX has completed a wet dress rehearsal for Starship, in preparation for its first orbital test flight. SpaceX Starship’s first orbital flight test on track after successful launch rehearsal. "Launch rehearsal complete ahead of Starship Flight 14," the company announced on X.

In a wet dress rehearsal, the rocket goes through a full launch simulation. It’s loaded with liquid propellants and powered on before it goes through final checks to ensure its fuel lines, software and communications with the ground team are all working. The launch team even runs it through the full countdown sequence, demonstrates procedures for scrubbing launches in the event of poor weather conditions and then drains the fuel to simulate offload procedures.

In other words, the rocket goes through the whole launch sequence without actually lifting off. With the success of this rehearsal, Starship is on track to launch for its 14th test flight scheduled for September 28, with a 75-minute launch window opening at 8:15AM Eastern Time. It will be the vehicle’s first orbital flight after multiple suborbital tests.