The advantage of SpaceX’s architecture is that once Starship is refueled, it can theoretically carry more than 100 tons of payload to the Moon or Mars, a much larger capacity than any other rocket. The ship can refuel multiple times and make regular transits between Earth and space destinations, making all kinds of fascinating missions possible.
Sometime next year, SpaceX plans to launch a pair of Starships into orbit using two adjacent launch pads in Texas. The two ships will dock in orbit to test technology for delivering cryogenic propellants, something never before done on this scale in space. This demonstration foreshadows future Artemis mission campaigns where starships will need to launch from multiple pads in rapid succession.
“There’s no question that the human landing system is a critical path for Artemis III,” said Lori Glaze, acting deputy assistant administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Division, referring to the Artemis program’s first lunar landing mission.
Artemis III is officially scheduled to launch in September 2026, but at least a new commercially developed spacesuit is on the way to protect the starship and its astronauts walking on the moon’s surface. It could be delayed by several years. Ars previously reported that NASA and SpaceX are evaluating alternative mission profiles for Artemis III in case the lunar lander Starship faces longer delays.
“The pace-setting item is the speed at which SpaceX can launch systems that can fuel the space base and get ready to fuel Starship for the moon landing,” Glaze said last week. . “So the real key is whether you can reach a speed where you can fire at a fast enough cadence.”
Having multiple launch pads in Texas and Florida will allow SpaceX to increase the pace of Starship’s launches. Regular acquisition of boosters and ships is also important for SpaceX to launch more frequently. Although NASA was not directly involved in Sunday’s flight, that’s why NASA officials were watching it closely.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the success of Sunday’s test flight.
“Congratulations to SpaceX” Nelson posted to X about today’s booster capture and successful fifth Starship flight test. “As we prepare to return to the moon under Artemis, Continuing to test will prepare you for future bold missions—This includes the Moon’s south pole region and Mars. ”
“Thank you, and I look forward to helping NASA bring humans back to the moon,” Musk replied.
