The Starship will take to the air again. This time, it will not only repeat the complex landing maneuver, but will also test other technologies, including a thermal shield.
The next one is fast approaching sixth test flight of the Starship rocket from SpaceX. Taking place on November 18, the launch aims to further research and improve the reusable system of this most powerful system in history. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, does not hide his ambitious plans, which include exploring the Moon and even Mars using Starship. The aim of the test is to develop space technologies that will allow for the safe and effective delivery of crews and cargo to deeper parts of space.
Starship’s sixth test. What can we expect?
Starship, measuring almost 122 meters, is a colossal rocket consisting of two main segments: the lower stage – Super Heavy, and the upper stage – the Starship itself. Super Heavy is responsible for launching a rocket into space and is equipped with 33 Raptor engines that provide enormous take-off power. In turn, the Starship itself, with six additional engines, is responsible for the rest of the mission in space. The entire structure, designed to be fully reusable, is a revolution in the space industry, reducing potential mission costs thanks to the ability to reuse both stages of the rocket.
A few days before the planned start, both rocket segments were transported to the launch site at SpaceX’s facility in south Texas, known as Starbase. The transfer of Super Heavy took place on November 14, while the upper part, Starship, arrived two days earlier.
During the sixth test flight, SpaceX plans to perform several advanced maneuvers that will bring the company closer to its goal of fully reusable Starship. The main assumptions of the mission include:
- Super Heavy returns to the launch pad – the booster, after completing its role of lifting the rocket, is to return to the launch site, where it will be caught by the mentioned “sticks” on the launch tower. Thanks to this, after a short technical inspection, the booster can be reused, which drastically reduces the costs of subsequent missions.
- Raptor engine tests in space – Once in orbit, Starship will test launch one of the engines, which is a key element, especially for missions requiring precise maneuvers. Actively controlling the spacecraft’s trajectory during deorbitation and return to Earth is an important step towards enabling rocket reuse.
- Heat shield experiments – during its return to Earth, Starship will test new thermal protection materials that must withstand the enormous temperatures and stresses associated with entering the atmosphere. Additionally, SpaceX intends to test new maneuvers that allow you to control the rocket’s angle of attack during descent, which will increase the safety and stability of the vehicle during landing.
FAA in a bind. Elon Musk the winner of the dispute?
The path to success was not and still is not free from obstacles. SpaceX struggled with delays and conflicts with the Federal Aviation Administrationwhich supervises processes related to launch certification and environmental assessments. Elon Musk has repeatedly publicly complained about bureaucratic delays that have impacted Starship’s test schedule. Due to pressure from Musk and the public, the FAA agreed to speed up the process, which allowed the fifth test to be performed on October 13, and now the sixth – in November.
Elon Musk is also an ally of Donald Trump, the president-elect. During the campaign, the billionaire turned out to be an invaluable help, and as a reward will take up the position of head of the Department of Government Effectiveness. This means that its main task will be to fight unnecessary bureaucracy. Due to his personal involvement in space exploration, it is very possible that he will focus on the effectiveness of this segment first. That means both the FAA and NASA could be on his radar.
Graphics: SpaceX
Source: antyweb.pl
