FAA Starship Approval: Why It's A Big Deal For SpaceX!

Summary

The video discusses recent SpaceX Starship progress and investigations into the rocket's second test flight failure. It explains theories about what caused issues with the booster and ship, highlighting a potential engine explosion and procedural complications. Updates are provided on preparations for the third test flight, Starship's launch license approval, and ambitious 2024 launch goals. The script also covers a new SpaceX Crew Dragon mission to the ISS, developments with Rocket Lab's Electron rocket and forthcoming medium-lift Neutron rocket, and introductions of new satellite platform naming conventions.

Takeaways

• 😊 The FAA has closed its investigation into Starship's second test flight, clearing the way for future launches
• 🚀 SpaceX aims to launch 9 more Starships in 2024, a massive increase, but faces regulatory and infrastructure challenges
• 👩‍🚀 Crew Dragon will soon take 4 astronauts to the ISS on the Crew-8 mission for a handover with Crew-5
• 🚙 Rocket Lab made big progress on Neutron in 2023 and plans to launch reused Electron boosters and many satellites
• 😮 An engine explosion likely caused Super Heavy's failure in the test flight due to a filter blockage allowing combustion instability
• ⚙️ SpaceX modified Starship's propellant system and switched to electric thrust vector control actuators after the last failure
• 🛠 LC-3, Neutron's future launch site, is now under construction with tanks and engines in production
• 😀 Despite a launch failure, Rocket Lab completed a record 10 Electron launches in 2023 and already 2 more so far this year
• 🔬 Janette Epps finally gets to fly to space after waiting since she trained for Expedition 56 in 2018
• 📈 Rocket Lab continues to grow its satellite manufacturing business, unveiling a new naming scheme for its Photon buses

Q & A

What caused the pressure drop in Super Heavy's oxidizer pump during the boostback burn?

SpaceX found that a filter blockage at the oxygen intake to the engine caused the pressure drop, disrupting the fuel to oxidizer balance and resulting in an engine explosion.

How many Starship launches is SpaceX hoping to conduct in 2024?

SpaceX is discussing with the FAA the possibility of launching nine more Starships in 2024.

What upgrades need to happen at the Starbase launch site to support a monthly Starship launch cadence?

Achieving a monthly launch cadence could require some major upgrades to the launch infrastructure itself (referred to as Stage Zero), although the specifics are not provided.

Who makes up the crew for the Crew-8 mission to the ISS?

The crew consists of Commander Matthew Dominic, Pilot Michael Barrett, and Mission Specialists Janette Epps and Artem Ginzburg.

What is Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket and what is its status?

Neutron is Rocket Lab's new medium-lift reusable rocket under development to compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9. Major components like tanks and engines are now in production, targeting first launch in late 2024.

What changes were made to Starship after the investigation into its second test flight failure?

Changes include modifications to the tank filtration system, measures to minimize propellant sloshing, transitioning to an electric TVC system, and eliminating pre-second engine cutoff propellant dumps.

What is Rocket Lab's new satellite naming scheme?

The new scheme names satellites Photon, Pioneer, Explorer, or Lightning based on factors like mission duration and capability.

Why does the FAA need to investigate failures of Starship test flights?

Under an experimental launch license, any deviation from the pre-approved flight plan automatically triggers an investigation by the FAA before further licenses can be granted.

How was Rocket Lab able to launch 10 Electron rockets in 2023?

Rocket Lab launched 10 Electron rockets in 2023, surpassing their previous record of 9 launches set in 2022.

What is Rocket Lab's goal for Electron launches in 2024?

With 10 launches already in 2023 and momentum continuing into 2024, Rocket Lab is aiming to launch 15 or more Electron rockets this year.