SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 5

SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 5 (IFT-5) will be the fifth integrated flight test of a prototype Starship launch vehicle. The prototype vehicles planned to be flown are the Ship 30 upper-stage and Booster 12.

Based on comments from Elon Musk, the fifth flight test is expected no earlier than August 2024. In April 2024, Musk stated that the if B11's 'virtual tower' landing during IFT-4 was successful, flight five may involve a catch of the Super Heavy booster, which he reiterated on 6 June, after IFT-4 had concluded.

Development prior to launch
During a company all-hands in April 2024, Musk expanded briefly on the goals of flight 5, stating that the first tower landing could occur on IFT-5, depending on B11's virtual landing performance during flight 4. In June, Musk stated the heatshield tiles on the flight 5 vehicle will be twice as strong along with a new ablative protection layer underneath. The process of removing the old Thermal Protection System began on 11 June. The FAA confirmed on 12 June that no mishap investigation would be required prior to flight 5 launch. The communications license from the FCC for IFT-5 was applied for with a start date of 19 July. Multiple tests occurred with the hydraulic arms on the launch tower in preparation for the booster catch.

Vehicle testing ahead of launch
Design revisions on Ship 30 include a new vent on the liquid methane tank and another vent with a new valve design on the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank. Two arrays of small radio antennas were redesigned and relocated near the payload bay instead of the ship's nosecone, with one array concealed beneath the ship's heat shield.

Static fire testing of Ship 30 occurred in early May in preparation for flight 5. This was the last static fire conducted at the now-demolished Suborbital Pad B, as future tests will use the static fire stand at Massey's Test Site. Booster 12 moved to the pad on July 9th. The booster performed a spin prime test on July 12th; it was the first time a spin prime test was performed since Booster 9 in August of 2023. A static fire of Booster 12 was completed on July 15th.