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SpaceX Performs Second Attempt of B10/S28 Wet Dress Rehearsal

NASASpaceflight・172 minutes read

Starship preparations for launch continue with upgrades to Ship 28 and Booster 10, optimized propellant loading processes, and discussions on weather conditions and environmental impact assessments for future launches. Uncertainty surrounds potential delays and issues during testing, with a focus on progress updates, viewer engagement, and future launch plans for Starship at Starbase.

Insights

  • Upgrades on Ship 28 include changes in tiles, flaps, vents, antennas, and payload bay configuration, showcasing ongoing improvements in Starship design.
  • Wet dress rehearsals are crucial for launch preparation, with a focus on weather conditions and insulation to ensure launch success, highlighting the significance of meticulous planning.
  • Regulatory limitations on Starship launches from Starbase, set at five launches per year, may undergo modifications in the future, affecting the frequency of launches and operational efficiency.
  • The separation of sub coolers and pumps between the ship and booster optimizes propellant loading, preventing delays and enhancing operational efficiency, reflecting a strategic approach to launch preparations.
  • The complexity of the tank farm and extensive testing procedures underscore the meticulous safety measures and operational considerations involved in Starship launches, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring successful missions.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of a wet dress rehearsal?

    A wet dress rehearsal is a crucial step in the preparation for a rocket launch. During this process, the vehicle is fueled with propellants, simulating the conditions of an actual launch without igniting the engines. This rehearsal allows the team to test the fueling process, check for any issues that may arise, and ensure that all systems are functioning correctly before the actual launch day. It helps to identify and address any potential problems that could affect the success of the launch.

  • How does weather impact rocket launches?

    Weather conditions play a significant role in rocket launches, especially during wet dress rehearsals. Factors such as fog, rain, and ice buildups can pose challenges and impact the safety and success of a launch. Monitoring weather conditions is crucial to ensure that the rocket can launch safely and avoid any potential risks. Weather constraints also affect the availability of return-to-launch-site options and abort options, highlighting the importance of careful consideration and planning to mitigate weather-related issues during rocket launches.

  • What are methane subcoolers on a rocket?

    Methane subcoolers are components on a rocket that help to cool and densify the methane propellant before it is loaded into the rocket's tanks. This process involves venting liquid nitrogen to lower the temperature of the methane, making it more efficient and increasing its density. The subcoolers play a vital role in preparing the propellant for launch, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency during the mission. The appearance of frost or condensation on the subcoolers indicates that the propellant loading process is underway and progressing as expected.

  • How does the propellant loading process work for rockets?

    The propellant loading process for rockets involves fueling the vehicle with the necessary propellants, such as methane and oxygen, before launch. This process includes activities like subcooling the propellants to increase their density, venting excess gases, and monitoring frost formation on the tanks to ensure proper fueling. The ship and booster are loaded independently to optimize the process, with the booster requiring significantly more fuel and oxidizer compared to the ship. Propellant loading is a critical step in preparing the rocket for launch, ensuring that it has the necessary fuel for a successful mission.

  • What is the significance of the tank farm in rocket launches?

    The tank farm is a crucial component of rocket launches, responsible for storing and supplying propellants to the rocket before launch. It includes tanks for storing liquid methane, liquid oxygen, and other necessary propellants, as well as subcoolers and pumps to prepare the propellants for loading. The tank farm plays a vital role in ensuring that the rocket is fueled correctly and efficiently, with activities like frost monitoring and fire suppression system tests conducted to maintain safety and readiness. Issues with the tank farm can impact the launch process, highlighting the importance of thorough testing and monitoring to address any potential challenges.

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Summary

00:00

Starship Boost 10 Prepares for Launch

  • Li off propulsion continues with caral R 68 chamber pressure looking good
  • Tower fly down, nominal orange event
  • 343 unfolds to go inde, rising together back to the moon and beyond
  • Full dress rehearsal for the launch day of the third flight of Starship with Boost 10 and ship 28
  • Wet dress rehearsal attempt two today after previous issues
  • Controls on panel, fueling the vehicle, countdown to t0 without engine ignition expected
  • Vandenberg situation causing fog, potential movement of the rocket
  • Ship 28 upgrades include changes in tiles, flaps, vents, antennas, and payload bay configuration
  • Booster 10 similar to booster 9 with slight structural differences
  • Wet dress rehearsal confirmed with tank farms active, subcoolers venting liquid nitrogen for propellant densification, tower venting for propellant line chill down before loading.

15:01

Starship launches and weather challenges discussed

  • The disappearance of the fence indicates the loading of propenal is about to start, with the tower vent showing cyclic activity before the propenal load sequence.
  • The propenal load is expected to commence in the next few hours, with a focus on the O vent indicating the start of the sequence.
  • The progression of Starship launches is discussed, with plans for increased launches in the future, including potential new launch pads like LC 37.
  • Weather conditions, especially during wet dress rehearsals, are crucial, with past experiences from shuttle launches highlighting the need for careful monitoring of ice buildups.
  • The impact of weather on launches, including considerations for return-to-launch-site options and weather constraints for abort options, is significant.
  • The potential challenges of rain during wet dress rehearsals are discussed, with a focus on the need for proper insulation and weather considerations for launch success.
  • The methane sub coolers and their appearance during events are noted, with a reminder that white spots may not always indicate ice buildup.
  • Recognition and appreciation are given to individuals gifting memberships and supporting the channel, with gratitude for their contributions.
  • The timing and predictions for Starship launches are deliberated, with estimates pointing towards a potential launch date in March.
  • The regulatory limitations on Starship launches from Starbase, set at five launches per year, are mentioned, with the possibility of modifications in the future.

29:54

"Streamlining Project Initiation: Environmental Assessments and Efficiency"

  • Concerns about potential delays in starting a project due to environmental assessments, particularly avoiding triggering a lengthy environmental impact statement.
  • Speculation on the possibility of modifying environmental assessments to expedite project initiation.
  • Reference to previous documentation indicating plans for 30 uses per year of the water Deluge system for launches.
  • Details on the expected frequency of water Deluge system usage per launch, including pre-launch testing and static fire tests.
  • Discussion on potential modifications to the tank farm to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Expectation of a shorter propellant load duration, aiming for 60 minutes instead of the previous 90 minutes.
  • Encouragement for viewers to engage with the content by liking the video to support the channel.
  • Updates on the evacuation of a village near the launch site and the presence of frost on equipment indicating propellant load preparation.
  • Speculation on the readiness of the vehicle for launch and the regulatory processes required before flight approval.
  • Explanation of the waterfall mode of the tower venting process and anticipation of its visual impact during operations.

44:46

"Space Meetup Plans and Starship Systems"

  • A UK Meetup is planned, with various space-related meetups also in the works.
  • The DSs and FireEX systems on Starship are explained, with DSs focusing on detonation suppression and FireEX on fire suppression.
  • The detonation suppression system prevents explosions under the engine, while FireEX mitigates fires on the launch ring.
  • McGregor Live shows frequent Raptor test fires, with the site being highly active.
  • McGregor cows used to stampede during engine tests but have since become accustomed to the noise.
  • Wilbur, a supporter, upgraded to the highest membership level, Flight Engineer.
  • Speculation on the aborted wet dress rehearsal includes rapid cessation after prop loading began.
  • The site started as a news forum in 2005, with a YouTube channel emerging four years ago due to popular demand for Mary's photos and clips.
  • The team behind NSF is credited for the channel's success, with over 926,000 subscribers.
  • Various supporters, including Michael, Tim Mo, and Ang 15, have contributed memberships and super chats to the channel.

59:02

"Rocket anomalies and progress at LC 36"

  • An anomaly was detected at the beginning of propellant loading, possibly related to modifications in the tank farm.
  • The tank farm experienced issues during propellant loading, leading to an abrupt halt in the process.
  • A user named Grass Vent has been active in the chat for about a year, occasionally contributing through super chats.
  • New Glenn, a large rocket, is progressing rapidly at LC 36, with a simulator on the pad for training purposes.
  • New Glenn's Pathfinder vehicle in the hangar features tankage and stages, hinting at potential launches to Mars this year.
  • Methane subcoolers on the ship are venting heavily, indicating the start of methane loading for the ship.
  • CO2 tanks are venting inside the chines for fire suppression, a safety measure for the rocket.
  • The US flag displayed on the tower is likely for President's Day, a significant American holiday.
  • The tower venting has reduced, suggesting progress in propellant loading, possibly methane for the ship.
  • Viewers from various locations worldwide are actively engaging in the chat, sharing their locations and support.

01:14:53

"Loading Ship and Booster with Methane"

  • The old vent has faded, indicating liquid auction load on both the ship for the Tower and the olm for the booster.
  • The olm vent is a trickle due to remaining oxygen in the line, causing dripping.
  • Frost on the liquid auction tank of the ship is the next clue for progress.
  • The frost on the liquid auction tank was seen on Wednesday but the test was aborted.
  • The booster methane load has started, with subcoolers showing activity.
  • The subcoolers are compared to a "geyser mode" due to nitrogen release.
  • The booster methane load is ongoing, with visible condensation and frost forming.
  • The booster and ship are both being loaded with methane and oxygen, with frost forming on both.
  • The booster methane tank is visibly frosty, indicating successful prop load.
  • The process of loading the ship and booster independently is optimized, with the booster being loaded last.

01:31:07

"Booster and Ship Propellant Loading Progress"

  • The booster requires significantly more fuel and oxidizer, totaling 3,600 tons of propellant, compared to the ship which needs about a third of that amount.
  • New tanks have been added to the orbital tank farm, with nine tanks in progress for flight four, but not expected to be ready for flight three.
  • Sub coolers and pumps have been added, allowing independent loading of propellant for the ship and booster without affecting each other's propellant load.
  • The separation of sub coolers and pumps between the ship and booster prevents delays in propellant loading that occurred when they shared resources in the past.
  • Frost lines are rapidly rising on both the ship and booster, indicating progress in fueling.
  • A flight three patch has been delivered and will be shipped out to customers soon, available for purchase on shop.nasp.com.
  • The patch images include measurements for accuracy, with a ruler for scale, ensuring precise sizing.
  • The tank farm activity has decreased significantly, with frost lines on the booster and ship stabilizing, indicating a potential hold in propellant loading.
  • Despite potential issues, there is still time within the road closure window for diagnosis and potential fixes, with the possibility of a deluge test even if no more propellant is loaded.
  • The flight plan remains consistent with the original profile due to approval and potential complications that arise from changing the plan, despite advancements in technology.

01:48:19

Starship methane load delay for retry

  • Ship methane load started about 30 minutes ago, booster Lux load began around 25 minutes ago.
  • Frost was observed on the ship and booster, with a temporary hold occurring about 10 minutes ago.
  • Starship may have a hold capability after propellent load completion, potentially allowing for a retry.
  • Road closure extends until 8:00 p.m. Central, with ample time for another attempt.
  • Decision to retry hinges on availability of consumables like liquid nitrogen, oxygen, and methane.
  • Uncertainty surrounds the decision due to unclear issues and potential fixes.
  • Booster shows signs of defrosting, indicating possible resumption of DET tanking.
  • Potential for a retry within the current window depends on issue resolution and consumable availability.
  • Starship's development benefited from NASA funding, enhancing the Artemis program.
  • Full stack height estimated at around 1200 patches, with each patch measuring about 10 cm.

02:06:21

"Booster Frost Recedes, Operations Uncertain"

  • Approximately 1,200 units are likely available in the store.
  • The booster Frost is receding due to the detanking of methane.
  • Ship or booster walls are either cooling down or warming up.
  • Propellant loading has commenced on both the ship and booster.
  • Tank farm activity has notably decreased, awaiting further developments.
  • The frost line on the booster is slowly receding.
  • The window for operations extends until 8:00 p.m., with potential extensions.
  • Uncertainty surrounds the possibility of resuming operations within the window.
  • Considerations include propellant availability, consumables, and resolving issues.
  • Speculation arises about potential Deluge tests and future activities.

02:25:11

SpaceX Launch Pad Expansion Plans Discussed

  • Wet dress rehearsal involves throwing the dress into the dryer or hand washing only.
  • Starship body pillow requested by PN.
  • Yoda speech requested for stream support.
  • Chat wishes Catherine a happy 68th birthday.
  • Tea towel explained as a small hand washing towel or dish towel.
  • Request for a tea towel with a hexagon pattern.
  • Discussion on Falcon grid fins and booster grid ve staying open.
  • SpaceX potentially adding another orbital launch Tower at the cape.
  • Potential for a slick 50 launch complex between pads 37 and 40.
  • Discussion on the need for multiple launch pads to support future missions.

02:44:05

"Starbase plans changes, thanks viewers"

  • Shannon received thanks for a store purchase and appreciation for her work.
  • An anonymous individual inquired about the new Mega Bay's ability to accommodate an extended length Starship.
  • Speculation arose about potentially knocking down the high Bay to make room for the new Mega Bay.
  • Discussion ensued on repurposing buildings at Starbase for different purposes.
  • The current Mega Bay was deemed capable of supporting an extended length Starship.
  • Plans were suggested for potential changes in buildings at Starbase, including the high Bay and Stargate building.
  • The possibility of storing Starships outside was considered, creating an active Rocket Garden.
  • Appreciation was expressed for support and engagement from viewers and customers.
  • Anecdotes were shared about foggy launches at different locations and the uniqueness of Vandenberg's fog.
  • Personal stories were shared, including a humorous anecdote about misunderstanding the term "shmear" at a bagel shop.

03:01:07

"Tank farm testing and safety measures"

  • Testing is being conducted on the tank farm, including fire suppression system tests and venting from the booster.
  • Despite potential changes in plans, extensive testing and data gathering are ongoing.
  • Evacuation of the village and road closures are serious safety measures undertaken during testing.
  • Specific details about the testing process, such as partial load tests and frost levels on the tanks, are highlighted.
  • The complexity of the tank farm and the amount of hardware installed are noted, indicating potential issues during testing.
  • The process of evacuating the village and employees during testing is explained.
  • The possibility of a successful orbit this year is discussed, with catching the booster or ship likely a future endeavor.
  • Information about purchasing patches and Last Chance merch from previous flights is shared.
  • Speculation about an all-British crew mission is mentioned, with details possibly arranged through SpaceX or Axiom.
  • Uncertainty remains about the trajectory of the mission and potential changes in plans or licensing paperwork.

03:18:07

"Membership perks, 4K views, and updates"

  • Membership program available as an alternative to store purchases, with many gifting memberships during the stream.
  • Membership program includes perks like 4K multi-view for members to access multiple cameras.
  • 4K multi-view feature will continue post-stream, offering more camera angles for avid Starbase live viewers.
  • Metal prints proceeds benefit both NSF and the photographer of the image purchased.
  • Various viewers show support through store purchases, Super Chats, and questions during the stream.
  • Updates on wet dress rehearsal attempts, with the next one scheduled for Tuesday.
  • Clarification on Chopsticks closure not indicating major issues, just part of the process to prevent strain.
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