Le STARSHIP qualifié pour son VOL historique ! - Le Journal de la Starbase #161 - Le JDE

Summary

The video script discusses updates from SpaceX's site, highlighting an important announcement from the FAA that may allow SpaceX to proceed with launches without waiting for the conclusion of accident investigations. It also covers the delivery of Flight Termination Systems (FTS) to the launch site, indicating an imminent fourth launch. The script delves into details about the new test stand at the Boca Chica site, designed for static fire tests and cryogenic testing of the upper stage. Additionally, it touches on the challenges and modifications related to the launch tower's fueling arms and the implications for future Starship versions. The summary also mentions the successful wet dress rehearsal and Elon Musk's confidence in SpaceX's heat shield technology.

Takeaways

• 🚀 SpaceX is expected to no longer be required to wait for the conclusion of investigations after each flight to attempt a new launch phase, according to an important announcement by the FAA.
• 🔧 The flight termination systems (FTS) have been delivered to the launch site, indicating that the fourth flight is approaching.
• 🌌 A new stand at the Massé site is being prepared where all the testing campaigns for the upper stages will take place.
• 🎥 A digital artist has created an animation showing the catching of the booster by the launch tower's arms and the subsequent steps after the separation of the two stages.
• 🔍 Marcus House reported an exchange between NASA Space Flight and the FAA, suggesting that public safety issues being resolved could allow SpaceX to attempt a fourth flight without necessarily concluding the investigation from the previous flight.
• 🛰️ The first horizontal methane tank has been disconnected from the network and set aside, marking the beginning of a sequence of events for a suborbital test flight B.
• 📦 The flight termination systems (FTS), which are designed to remotely detonate the upper stages in case of loss of rocket control, have been delivered and stored near the launch pad.
• 🔧 A new stand at the Massé site is being set up for cryogenic testing and static fire tests of the upper stages, which will replace the suborbital launch pad B in the long term.
• 🔄 The current methane tank at the orbital farm is undergoing a major reorganization at the Starbase, with another protective shell removed last weekend.
• 🗓️ Elon Musk confirmed that the fourth flight will take place in about two weeks, testing the Starship's heat shield during atmospheric re-entry, which he claims is more reliable than that of the old space shuttle.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the latest updates and developments on SpaceX's website, including an important announcement by the FAA, the delivery of Flight Termination Systems (FTS), and details about the new test stand at the Boca Chica site.

What does the FAA announcement suggest regarding SpaceX's future launches?

The FAA announcement suggests that SpaceX may no longer be required to wait for the conclusion of their investigations after each flight to attempt a new launch phase, potentially accelerating their launch schedule.

What is the significance of the FTS delivery to the launch site?

The delivery of the Flight Termination Systems (FTS) signifies that the preparations for the next launch are progressing, as these systems are crucial for safely terminating a flight if it goes off course.

What is the purpose of the new test stand at the Boca Chica site?

The new test stand at the Boca Chica site is designed to conduct static fire tests and cryogenic testing for the upper stages of the rockets, replacing the suborbital launch stands.

What is the current status of the horizontal methane tank at the Boca Chica site?

The first horizontal methane tank has been disconnected from the network, removed, and is now out of service, indicating the start of a reorganization process at the Boca Chica site.

What is the expected timeline for SpaceX's fourth launch attempt?

The fourth launch attempt is expected to take place in about two weeks, around June 3rd, as announced by Elon Musk.

What is the main focus of the fourth launch attempt?

The main focus of the fourth launch attempt is to test the Starship's heat shield during atmospheric re-entry, which Elon Musk claims to be more reliable than that of the old space shuttle.

What is the current situation with the S31 prototype after its cryogenic test?

After the S31 prototype's failed cryogenic test, it was only filled with liquid oxygen, and a shell had slipped due to the lack of liquid methane. It has now left the Boca Chica site for the High Bay at the production site, likely for repairs.

What are the challenges faced by the current design of the launch tower's arm for fueling?

The current design of the launch tower's arm for fueling faces challenges with the heat and flame exposure, which has led to degradation and potential damage to the arm during launches.

What is the purpose of the new stand's crab-like structure at the Boca Chica site?

The crab-like structure of the new stand serves to limit the number of handling and lifting operations needed for the future ships conducting static fires on the stand, as well as to manage the flame deflector and other operational challenges.