STARSHIP: Le nouveau SUPER HEAVY est une BÊTE ! - Le Journal de la Starbase #169 - Le JDE

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth look at the ongoing development of SpaceX's Starship rocket at the Boca Chica, Texas facility. It discusses the assembly of the launch tower, updates to the thermal shield of the S30 prototype, and potential future booster designs. The script also addresses CEO Elon Musk's recent interviews, hinting at performance improvements for upcoming flights and the unprecedented challenge of catching the booster mid-air with the launch tower's arms. Additionally, it touches on the company's ambitious plans for lunar landing and the technical and logistical hurdles faced in achieving a reusable, heavy-lift spacecraft.

Takeaways

• 🚀 SpaceX is actively developing the Starship rocket at the Boca Chica, Texas facility, with a focus on research, updates, and experiments.
• 🔧 The assembly crane for the second stage of the rocket is currently being assembled, indicating progress in the construction phase.
• 🛡️ The thermal shield of the S30 is being revisited, with potential updates including a new material for better resistance and a new ablative coating for safety.
• 🔄 Elon Musk has confirmed that the next Starship launch will involve a booster catch test using the Boca Chica tower's arms, a first in aerospace history.
• 🌕 Artistic projections of the future Starship in its HLS version have been shared, hinting at its potential appearance as a lunar lander.
• 📅 Musk has hinted that the next Starship flight, the fifth attempt, will take place at the end of July, keeping up with the fast pace of SpaceX's launch schedule.
• 🏗️ The new crane CC8801 from German manufacturer Liebherr is being assembled at the launch site and will be used for assembling the second stage of Boca Chica.
• 🔨 The Highbay team is working on redesigning the thermal shield of the S30, with significant changes to the tiles and the underlying layer for better performance and safety.
• 💪 Testing at the Massé site has confirmed the strength of the two catch hooks on the new can, Crusher, simulating the vertical force applied during a booster catch.
• 🔄 There is speculation about the placement of 35 Raptor engines on the heavy booster, which could involve a central cluster of 5 engines, an intermediate ring of 10, and an outer skirt with 20, for a total thrust of 9800 tonnes.
• 🤔 Concerns about the weight of the Starship rocket have been raised, especially considering the announcement to eject the Hot staging ring and the implications for payload capacity.

Q & A

What is the current status of the Starship development at the Boca Chica, Texas site?

The Starship is currently under development at the Boca Chica site in Texas. SpaceX continues its research, updates, and experiments with energized teams, especially since the last attempt which was considered a major advancement by many specialists.

What is the significance of the crane being assembled at the Boca Chica site?

The crane being assembled at the Boca Chica site is significant as it will be used to assemble the second stage of the Starship. It is a large and powerful piece of equipment that will lift each segment of the rocket's second stage one by one.

What is the purpose of revisiting the thermal shield of the S30?

The purpose of revisiting the thermal shield of the S30 is to examine the updated version, which may include a new material that is not as heavy but more resistant, and a new ablation layer to ensure the shield does not degrade from one flight to another.

What is the innovative aspect of the upcoming Starship launch that involves the launch tower at Boca Chica?

The innovative aspect of the upcoming Starship launch is the test of the booster's catch by the arms of the Boca Chica launch tower. This has never been done in the history of aerospace and represents a significant technical challenge.

What recent statement by Elon Musk suggests an improvement in the Starship's performance for the next flight?

Elon Musk recently stated in an interview that the Starship would be even more performant for the next flight, indicating that there have been improvements made to the vehicle.

What is the current estimated performance of the Starship in terms of payload capacity to orbit?

Elon Musk mentioned that the Starship would have been capable of putting 40 tonnes into orbit if its tank had been loaded for the occasion, which is a more modest figure compared to the previously announced 100 tonnes.

What is the significance of the 'Hot staging' ring and why is SpaceX considering ejecting it during the next flight?

The 'Hot staging' ring is a part of the booster that is attached to the top. SpaceX's intention to eject it during the next flight is surprising as it adds complexity to the vehicle. The exact reason for this decision is not clear from the script, but it may be related to testing or adjusting the vehicle's weight and performance.

What are the challenges associated with the stainless steel construction of the Starship?

The challenges with the stainless steel construction include its weight. Stainless steel is heavier than the ultra-light aluminum alloys typically used in aerospace, which adds to the dry mass of the vehicle and affects its payload capacity to orbit.

What is the current testing status of the Starship's thermal shield at the highbay production site?

The teams are working on a titanic task of redoing the entire thermal shield of the S30 at the highbay production site. The S30 is currently undergoing a quasi-complete 'undressing' of its thermal shield, with about 18,000 small black tiles being removed.

What is the current configuration of the Raptor engines on the Starship's heavy booster?

The current configuration of the Raptor engines on the heavy booster is expected to be 5 central engines, 10 in the intermediate ring, and 20 in the outer skirt, totaling 35 engines.

What is the implication of the increased number of Raptor engines on the heavy booster?

The increase to 35 Raptor engines on the heavy booster implies a significant boost in total thrust, which is crucial for lifting heavier payloads. However, it also presents challenges in terms of engine placement and structural integrity.