SpaceX Did It! Starship Passes WDR! FAA License Imminent - TWO Starships At The Pads!

What about it!?17 minutes read

SpaceX and NASA are progressing in the development of the lunar Starship for Artemis missions, with significant milestones completed and preparations for astronaut transport and moon landings underway. Axiom Space is also making strides with spacesuit development for lunar exploration and plans for a commercial space station, set to launch in 2026 and eventually separate from the ISS by 2030 for independent operations in space.

Insights

  • SpaceX and NASA are collaborating closely on the development of the Lunar Starship for Artemis missions, with significant progress made, including the qualification of a docking system and completion of over 30 milestones.
  • Axiom Space is not only working on spacesuit development for lunar missions but also spearheading the creation of a commercial space station module set for launch in 2026, aiming to eventually transition into a standalone private station by 2030 for various space-related activities.

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Recent questions

  • What progress has SpaceX made with the lunar Starship for NASA's Artemis missions?

    SpaceX has made significant progress in developing the lunar Starship for NASA's Artemis missions, with a docking system already qualified and over 30 milestones completed. This development includes preparations for transporting astronauts to lunar orbit using the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, where they will transfer to SpaceX's Lunar Starship for the moon landing.

  • What is the status of Axiom Space's spacesuit design concept for lunar exploration?

    Axiom Space unveiled their own spacesuit design concept in March 2023, with testing scheduled for completion by 2026 for lunar deployment. Initially planned to be developed by NASA as the xEMU project, the spacesuits were later outsourced to Axiom Space for development, showcasing their commitment to advancing lunar exploration technology.

  • How is Axiom Space contributing to the future of commercial space exploration?

    Axiom Space is not only developing spacesuits for lunar exploration but also working on a commercial space station. The hub module of this space station is being produced by Thales Alenia Space and is set for launch in 2026. Axiom Space aims to eventually separate from the ISS by 2030, transitioning into a standalone private station that will offer opportunities for scientific research, pharmaceutical production, and entertainment in space.

  • What challenges did the Japanese lander SLIM face during its lunar mission?

    The Japanese lander SLIM faced challenges during its moon touchdown, encountering issues that caused it to power back on. This incident highlighted the extreme conditions of lunar nights and days, showcasing the difficulties of operating on the lunar surface and the resilience required for successful lunar missions.

  • What recent developments have occurred with SpaceX's Starship program?

    Recent developments in SpaceX's Starship program include the nearing completion of the third Starship campaign, with NASA and SpaceX revealing more Human Landing System hardware. Booster 10 underwent unspecified work after two Wet Dress Rehearsal attempts, and Ship 28 was successfully stacked on the Super Heavy booster on March 1st. These advancements demonstrate the progress being made in preparing for future space missions and exploration.

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Summary

00:00

"SpaceX Progresses with Starship Lunar Development"

  • Third Starship campaign is nearing completion, with NASA and SpaceX revealing more Human Landing System hardware.
  • Booster 10 underwent unspecified work after two Wet Dress Rehearsal attempts, possibly related to test findings.
  • Booster for the first Starship to reach orbit, Booster 10, was transported to the launch site on February 28th.
  • Ship 28 was moved next to the tower instead of undergoing a static fire test after a spin prime on February 26th.
  • Starbase engineers made crucial modifications to Mechazilla's arms to improve stacking alignment.
  • Ship 28 was successfully stacked on the Super Heavy booster on March 1st, despite challenges during the operation.
  • SpaceX is close to the third flight but requires a launch license, pending completion of a full wet dress rehearsal.
  • Ship 29 unexpectedly appeared at the launch site, possibly for a planned photo shoot showcasing SpaceX's readiness for future missions.
  • Ship 29 was repositioned to the suborbital area after being near the fully stacked Starship, hinting at further testing.
  • SpaceX has made significant progress in developing the lunar Starship for NASA's Artemis missions, with a docking system already qualified and over 30 milestones completed.

13:00

Axiom Space: Lunar Missions and Commercial Station

  • NASA's Artemis missions will use the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to transport astronauts to lunar orbit, where they will transfer to SpaceX's Lunar Starship for the moon landing.
  • Specialized spacesuits are required for lunar surface exploration, initially planned to be developed by NASA as the xEMU project, but later outsourced to Axiom Space.
  • Axiom Space unveiled their own spacesuit design concept in March 2023, with testing scheduled for completion by 2026 for lunar deployment.
  • Axiom Space is also developing a commercial space station, with the hub one module being produced by Thales Alenia Space and set for launch in 2026.
  • The Axiom segment will eventually separate from the ISS by 2030, transitioning into a standalone private station, offering opportunities for scientific research, pharmaceutical production, and entertainment in space.
  • Recent lunar missions include SLIM, a Japanese lander that faced challenges during its moon touchdown but managed to power back on after encountering issues, showcasing the extreme conditions of lunar nights and days.
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