One of the main fundamentals for the launch to proceed is the evacuation of Boca Chica Village, which is yet to happen.

These can be issued at very late notice, and are necessary to protect residents from falling debris, or even broken windows caused by explosions.

The final factor potentially holding back today’s attempt is the weather. It’s looking very overcast at the moment, and there is a storm front not too far away.

Poor visibility is not enough to hold back the launch - as evidenced by the fog-shrouded Starship SN11 test - however lightning or heavy wind and rain could scupper plans for the launch.

It is currently forecast to be dry over Boca Chica, Texas for the next six hours, but that could change. Here’s the current weather radar:

There are numerous variables that need to line up for a Starship flight test to go ahead.

These include airspace clearance and flight approval with the FAA, local road closures in place with Cameron County, evacuation of the nearby Boca Chica Village, a marine hazard notice posting - as well as all the technical preparations for the actual rocket itself.

It’s for this reason that SpaceX doesn’t actually publicise its launch attempt times until just a few minutes to go, but we know it could be anytime between now and 5pm local time (11pm BST), as per the road closures in place.

The FAA has also authorised the launch, releasing a statement yesterday. The good news is, it appears to cover launches for Starship SN16 and Starship SN17. Here’s what the agency said:

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of SpaceX’s latest attempt to launch and land a Starship rocket.

It’s been an entire month since the last major test, but hopefully it will be worth the wait.