SpaceX Finally Finishes Testing! Starship Flight 5 Next!

Summary

SpaceX is rapidly constructing the Starship launch Tower B, with four modules already stacked and plans for a booster catch using mechazilla arms. The new Block 2 Starship, ship 33, is being upgraded, and ship 31 (Sparky) has passed cryogenic tests with engines installed. The Polaris Dawn mission aims for the first all-civilian spacewalk, delayed by a recent Falcon 9 mishap.

Takeaways

• 🚀 SpaceX is rapidly constructing the Starship launch Tower B, with four modules already stacked and the fifth expected to be placed soon.
• 🔧 The construction speed of Starship Tower B is unprecedented in the aerospace industry, showcasing SpaceX's efficiency and organization.
• 📈 The tower is required to have the first six modules completed by the 27th due to a deadline set by the FAA for safety reasons related to tall structures.
• 🤖 The next launch will feature an attempt at a booster catch using the 'Mechzilla' catch arms, a new method of landing the booster instead of on a pad or ship.
• 🔄 SpaceX is testing a new design for the shock absorbers on the Starship booster after issues were found during tests with the B1 14.1 test tank.
• 🛰️ Ship 33, the new Block 2 Starship, is being integrated with all the learnings from previous flights, indicating a significant upgrade in the rocket's design.
• 🔨 Ship 31, also known as 'Sparky', underwent cryogenic proof testing and is now ready for engine installation and subsequent testing phases.
• 🔄 The Polaris Dawn mission, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, aims to be the first all-civilian spacewalk, marking a new era in commercial spaceflight.
• 🛡️ The Crew Dragon spacecraft 'Resilience' has been modified with a hatch for the Polaris Dawn mission, allowing for depressurization and spacewalks.
• 🔄 The mission could launch as soon as next month, pending the resolution of a recent Falcon 9 mishap that delayed the original launch date.
• 🌌 Polaris Dawn will reach a high Earth orbit, the highest any human has flown since Apollo 17 in 1972, showcasing the potential for future space exploration.

Q & A

What is the significance of the new SpaceX Super Heavy booster segment spotted?

The new SpaceX Super Heavy booster segment is a part of the ongoing development of the Starship launch system. It signifies progress towards the construction of the next-generation Starship booster, which is a crucial component for the launch and reusability of the Starship system.

What is the current status of Starship 31 in terms of engine installation?

Starship 31 has successfully passed its cryogenic proof testing and has had its six Raptor engines installed, making it ready for the next phase of testing, which includes a series of smaller engine tests and a full static fire.

What is the purpose of the Polaris Dawn mission?

The Polaris Dawn mission aims to be the first all-civilian spacewalk. It will involve a crew of non-professional astronauts performing a spacewalk from the Crew Dragon spacecraft while in orbit, marking a significant step in commercial space exploration.

How does the design of the new Starship launch Tower B differ from the original Tower A?

The new Starship launch Tower B is being constructed more quickly than the original Tower A due to SpaceX's increased organization and experience. It is also taller, planned to be nine modules high, with the final two modules being smaller to allow for easier stacking.

What is the role of the 'mechazilla' catch arms in the upcoming Starship launches?

The 'mechazilla' catch arms are designed to grab the Starship booster out of midair upon its return from space, instead of the traditional landing on a concrete pad or drone ship. This is a test of full reusability and an attempt to save weight by removing the need for landing legs on the booster.

What was the issue discovered during the testing of the new booster block 2 test tank B1 14.1?

During the testing of the booster block 2 test tank B1 14.1, SpaceX found some flaws in the design, specifically with the shock absorbers, which may have been damaged from the test or possibly from a recent static fire with Starship booster 12.

What is the function of the header tanks in the Starship booster?

The header tanks in the Starship booster hold cryogenic liquid oxygen and serve as the source of propellant during the landing burns. They help maintain pressure in the tanks during the landing phase, ensuring a safe and controlled descent.

What is the potential reason for the additional small tanks seen on booster 15?

The additional small tanks on booster 15 might be used for pressurization with gases like helium or nitrogen. This could be a change from the autogenous pressurization method, which might have caused issues in previous flights, or to support the larger capacity needs of the newer block 2 Starships.

What is the current status of the Mega Bay 1 in terms of Starship production?

Mega Bay 1 is where SpaceX plans to ramp up mass production of Starships. Recently, an 'A' section of booster 15, which houses the plumbing for the Raptor engines, was seen entering the bay, indicating ongoing work on the next iterations of the Starship system.

What is the significance of the new payload bay door for Starship 33?

The new payload bay door for Starship 33 is part of the upgraded payload dispenser system. It will cover the opening in the payload bay used for releasing Starlink satellites, indicating advancements in the deployment mechanism for satellite constellations.