Starship launch with landing in the paws of Mehazilla may take place on October 12

This week, an unofficial date for the fifth orbital launch of SpaceX’s huge Starship rocket was revealed.

Although SpaceX has not yet made an official statement, the date was leaked by the local coast guard, which issued a notice to seafarers. This is a routine procedure that has been performed on previous Starship launches, aimed at ensuring safety in areas that could be affected by a rocket launch.

According to the Coast Guard, the Starship could fly in just a few days: “October 12, 2024, there are planned rocket launch operations near Boca Chica, Texas.” Reserve launch dates include October 13, 18 and 19, 2024. Sailors operating in coastal waters east of Brownsville, Texas, are notified of planned rocket launch activities and associated hazardous areas that could affect navigation. Navigational hazards from missile launches may include free-falling debris and/or descent vehicles. Hazardous zones will operate for about 40 minutes after launch. During this time, vessels shall operate in a state of heightened vigilance and avoid waters within the missile's flight paths.”

What SpaceX and Elon Musk fans are waiting for is a launch license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which hinted in September that Starship might not fly until November.

Earlier, SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell said that her firm invested $3 billion in the development of its facilities during the creation of the Starship project.

SpaceX has already prepared a Starship rocket for its fifth flight to Boca Chica. After the fourth launch, the company upgraded the heat shield of the rocket's upper stage and repeatedly tested the turret's grip levers, which will have to catch the booster when landing.