SpaceX Delays Starship Flight 7 Due to Weather

SpaceX has postponed its seventh test flight of the Starship rocket, now scheduled for Thursday, January 16, at 4 p.m. CT, due to unfavorable weather conditions. The launch was originally set for January 13, then delayed to January 15, before being pushed back again. SpaceX noted that the upcoming flight aims to deploy 10 Starlink simulators and to attempt a booster recovery at the launch pad, a maneuver previously achieved in only one out of six test flights. CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the flight would proceed only if weather conditions improve. The Starship is set to splash down in the Indian Ocean following its mission, further underlining the vehicle's significance for future space exploration, including potential missions to the Moon and Mars. The company is closely monitoring weather forecasts to ensure a safe launch.