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SpaceX Stacks Ship 25 on Booster 9 - Integrated Flight Test 2

NASASpaceflight・200 minutes read

SpaceX prepares Starship 25 for launch on Booster 9 at Starbase in Texas, with detailed discussions on the launch license, modifications, and structural testing of the ring support. The upcoming launch is expected to occur mid-September, showcasing advancements in design and infrastructure for space exploration.

Insights

  • Off propulsion remains stable, with R 68 chamber pressure showing positive signs.
  • Mention of a notable orange object sparks enthusiasm among observers.
  • Speculation arises regarding a potential bag possibly intended for storage purposes.
  • Discussion on the ambition of returning to the moon and venturing further into space together.
  • The lifting of ship 25 onto booster 9 at Starbase in Texas is officially announced.
  • The introduction of experts Ryan Kon and Alex Romera by host Lon Sybin initiates the discussion on various technical aspects.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the hot staging ring on the Starship?

    The hot staging ring on the Starship is reinforced internally to maintain structural integrity during takeoff and acceleration. It has undergone testing and reinforcement to ensure its strength during the vehicle's operation.

  • How does SpaceX ensure engine safety on Booster 9?

    SpaceX has implemented a fire extinguisher system on Booster 9 that vents leaked methane to avoid engine fires, crucial for engine survival through main engine cut off. This system is designed to prevent unapproved fires and maintain engine safety during operation.

  • What are the key features of the venting system on the booster?

    The venting system on the booster is part of the fire extinguisher system to ensure engine safety. It vents leaked methane to prevent fires and maintain the integrity of the engines during operation.

  • How does SpaceX handle potential launch delays due to bad weather?

    SpaceX considers bad weather, such as hurricanes, as a factor that could impact launch readiness for Starship. Ensuring safe launch conditions is crucial, and delays may occur to maintain the safety and success of the mission.

  • What is the significance of the complex airflow mechanism in the system being discussed?

    The system being discussed involves a complex and crucial airflow mechanism that, if not functioning properly, could lead to significant issues. Proper airflow is essential for the successful operation and safety of the vehicle during launch.

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Summary

00:00

"Excitement at Starbase: Ship 25 Lifted"

  • Off propulsion remains nominal, with R 68 chamber pressure appearing good.
  • An orange object is observed, prompting excitement.
  • A bag is mentioned, possibly for storage.
  • Reference to unfolding and rising together back to the moon and beyond.
  • Mention of exiting in the flare.
  • Announcement of the lifting of ship 25 onto booster 9 at Starbase in Texas.
  • Host Lon Sybin introduces experts Ryan Kon and Alex Romera.
  • Cameras and microphones at the pad capture live events and sounds.
  • Preparations for lifting involve disconnecting various components from the Starship.
  • Details about pressure lines, control systems, and quick disconnect arms during transport and lift.

15:07

SpaceX prepares for Starship launch modifications.

  • The company discussed the launch license situation, mentioning that they already have one, but it was initially for the first flight only.
  • The launch license condition required modification for subsequent flights to be valid.
  • An investigation report was needed due to the first flight not following the nominal plan.
  • Speculation arose about SpaceX requesting a license modification for the second flight.
  • The timeline for the license modification remains undisclosed.
  • SpaceX had to rebuild a pad, install a water deluge system, and alter the rocket staging.
  • The anticipated launch date is mid-September, with potential operations over the Gulf of Mexico and Hawaii.
  • The heat shield tiles on the Starship are proprietary and applied by hand, a time-consuming process.
  • The Starship is intended for a one-way trip to orbit, with plans for the booster to be scuttled post-flight.
  • Safety precautions are in place for potential explosive issues during fueling, with residents notified in advance.

29:32

"Starship launch preparations and bet wager"

  • The move to Electric thrust effector control was planned before the first flight due to a potential issue with the hydraulic power unit.
  • The design philosophy of having multiple engines on the vehicle, like the Falcon 9 with nine engines, allows for redundancy in case of engine loss.
  • Structural testing of the ring support for Starship 25 was conducted at a test site near Starbase, with multiple tests likely performed.
  • The ring support must withstand a load near stage separation equivalent to three to three and a half times the weight of the fully loaded ship, which is about 1,300 tons.
  • The water system at the launch site is not for sound suppression but for cooling the vehicle during launch, similar to the Saturn 5 rocket.
  • The height of the Starship, booster, and orbital launch mount combined is around 80-90 meters, requiring careful corrosion monitoring due to the proximity to saltwater.
  • The ground systems at the launch site have been improved with added protections to prevent corrosion and ensure the integrity of critical components.
  • A bet was made regarding the timing of the next launch, with a commitment to cut hair if the launch occurs before the end of summer.
  • A flowy, a device for cutting hair, was offered to assist in fulfilling the bet if needed.
  • Acknowledgment of Super Chats and support from viewers, with discussions on mouse pads, haircuts, and the anticipation of launch movements.

43:48

"Starship stacking with Chopsticks and pins"

  • The vehicle is clamped to a stand with a small gap visible.
  • Creeks and groans are heard from the Chopsticks and Draw Works, indicating weight being taken up by the ship.
  • A drone is observed under the QD arm on the South Side.
  • Movement is noted in the ship, with groans and creaking sounds indicating the Chopsticks supporting the weight.
  • Stacking operations have become quicker over time, with the introduction of the Chopsticks expediting the process.
  • A Starship Flight 2 patch is announced, available in green and orange designs, with various merchandise options.
  • The patch is fully embroidered and high quality, available for purchase on shop.nasaspaceflight.com.
  • The ship is carefully lifted, with pauses at waypoints for checks due to its large size and delicate nature.
  • The Chopsticks will swivel and move the Starship across to stack it on top of the booster.
  • Pins below the flaps of the ship are used for support, not the flaps themselves or the grid fins.

57:07

Starship: Moon Missions, Space Station, Challenges

  • HLS Prototype lacks flaps, but still has holes for pins, ensuring functionality.
  • HLS stands for Human Landing System for moon missions, part of space acronyms.
  • Starship compared to shuttle: Starship can hold 100 people, much larger than shuttle's capacity of 7.
  • Starship's size: 50m tall, 9m wide, with a massive volume for cargo.
  • Proposal to turn Starship into a space station under NASA agreement.
  • Milestones needed before building the space station, scheduled for Q3 2028.
  • Starship's movement halted for checks during the process, normal procedure.
  • Starship's engine variations: sea level Raptors and vacuum-optimized RVX.
  • New hardware on Raptor vacuum engines for potential impact protection.
  • Challenges in identifying Starship designations due to various test tanks and articles.

01:11:08

Starship 25's Launch Preparation and Improvements

  • Booster 99's flight is crucial, going through Max Q with all engines running, stage separation, and potential engine relight.
  • Concerns about the durability of the tiles on the Starship, reminiscent of the challenges faced with the space shuttle tiles.
  • Starship 25 is larger than the Space Shuttle's external tank, both in height and width, showcasing its scale.
  • Starship 25's dimensions are approximately 46.9 meters tall and 8.4 meters wide, surpassing the Space Shuttle's tank.
  • Starship's Raptor engines are numbered at 126, providing a unique view of the rocket's details.
  • The launch pad's proximity to the road offers unparalleled views of the rocket's preparation process.
  • Starship's trajectory near Puerto Rico during daylight makes it challenging to observe during flight.
  • Speculation on the potential for a wet dress rehearsal before the launch to ensure readiness.
  • Observations of improvements in the cleanliness and design of Starship 25 compared to previous iterations.
  • The addition of a hot staging ring necessitates precise positioning of the ship on the booster, requiring attention to detail during stacking.

01:25:47

"Live Stream Reveals Methane-Cooled Rocket Patch"

  • Over 20,000 people are watching a live stream featuring a new patch for orbital flight test number two.
  • The patch and other related merchandise are available for purchase without a waitlist.
  • The Raptor engines on the rocket are cooled with methane, preventing them from glowing red hot like the Merlin vacuum engines.
  • A cooling line with a plate on the Raptor engines is speculated to protect them, possibly from imbalances.
  • A $100 tip was received from Richard, known as Methane Man, supporting the camera fund and the team at Starbase.
  • Methane is becoming a popular fuel choice for rockets due to its efficiency and ease of use compared to hydrogen.
  • Venting sounds heard during the stream are likely from ground support systems, common at the active SpaceX site.
  • The booster and Starship are being carefully aligned and connected using sensors, cameras, and automation.
  • The alignment process is crucial to prevent imbalance, especially with the massive weight of the vehicles.
  • The upcoming launch, once FAA approval is granted, is anticipated to occur within a few days, following the successful stacking of the booster and Starship.

01:40:50

"Starship Booster Mating Process Ensures Success"

  • Testing and data from a static fire of the ship attached to the hot staging ring can be obtained on the ground or in flight, not risking it while attached on the pad.
  • The environment at 60-80 km high during stage separation has minimal atmosphere, affecting how the exhaust beam hits the shield on the hot stage ring.
  • Drones circling the pad monitor alignment before mating the ship to the ring on the booster, ensuring proper alignment.
  • The ship is guided down onto the booster by three pins forming a triangle, aiding in alignment before final attachment.
  • The hot stage ring may not be reusable between launches due to potential damage from the process, focusing on functionality first.
  • SpaceX's iterative design process involves testing, iterating, and improving based on flight data, enhancing efficiency and design elements.
  • The gap between the ship and the booster is closing, with careful alignment and observation to ensure a secure connection.
  • The Starship design aims for full reusability, akin to an airliner, reducing costs and enabling multiple flights without building new rockets.
  • The launch abort system requires physical safety measures to arm it during the countdown, with caution in place for the first mating of the booster with the new hot staging ring.
  • The process of mating the booster with the Starship is meticulous, with attention to detail and alignment, ensuring a successful connection.

01:55:52

"Starship's Role in Artemis Program Operations"

  • Introduction of new elements, like today's booster, causing a slight slowdown in operations.
  • Speculation on the cost of the Starship program, including rocket cost, fuel, and staffing.
  • NASA's reliance on Starship for the Artemis program to land people on the moon.
  • Starship modifications for Artemis missions, including no flaps, white paint, and windows.
  • Uncertainty about the hot staging ring's durability against the S25 Raptors.
  • Importance of successful stacking and alignment for launch readiness.
  • Discussion on the hot staging ring's impact on venting and chill pipes.
  • Consideration of a successful mission even if Starship doesn't return intact.
  • Deluge system's crucial role in protecting the launch pad during full-thrust launches.
  • Necessity for reusable ground infrastructure to support multiple Starship flights.

02:10:36

"Reusable rockets and launch pads in space"

  • Reusable rockets require reusable launch pads, showcasing the complexity of space endeavors.
  • Space engineering involves various disciplines beyond rocket science, including civil and mechanical engineering for ground systems.
  • Kennedy Space Center is constructing a similar structure to support space missions.
  • The system for launching HLS into orbit involves multiple Starship launches for fueling, leading to frequent stacking, launching, and landing activities.
  • Stacking rockets will likely become faster as processes are refined over time.
  • Rockets will be caught and restacked using "Chopsticks" to eliminate the need for landing legs.
  • Metal prints of rockets are available for purchase at shop.nasaspaceflight.com.
  • A new patch for the second flight test is fully embroidered and limited edition, designed by Pauline.
  • Supporting the shop at nasaspaceflight.com offers a range of merchandise with the patch, aiding the channel and providing unique items.
  • Starship's need for refueling in orbit is due to its larger size and capacity compared to Apollo missions, enabling longer and more versatile space missions.

02:25:13

"Space Safety: Uncertainty, Misalignment, and Monitoring"

  • Uncertainty regarding the normalcy of outcomes in the system, necessitating vigilance.
  • Potential issues leading to rocket restacking, possibly due to misalignment.
  • Importance of avoiding a crooked booster placement for safety.
  • Monitoring the situation through cameras due to risks involved.
  • Historical context of welding in vacuum and space exploration.
  • Mention of welding attempts in space by Russian astronauts in the 60s.
  • Description of a welding incident during a spacewalk leading to unexpected fusion.
  • Monitoring the successful stacking process through Chopsticks' movements.
  • Promotion of space-themed merchandise available for purchase.
  • Discussion on hot staging and its historical use in aerospace missions.

02:40:36

SpaceX's Starship Approval and Launch Plans

  • Testing of the stack involves stack tests of vehicles and awaiting regulatory approval from the FAA and other relevant bodies.
  • The process of regulatory approval between SpaceX and the FAA is not constantly monitored and can be uncertain in terms of timeline.
  • Despite uncertainty, approval is expected soon, possibly within days or weeks.
  • Following the last launch, the area was reconstructed with minor damage to tanks and a new rocket prepared.
  • Starship features sea level and vacuum Raptors for maneuvering in space, with cold gas thrusters aiding in orientation.
  • Sea level engines are efficient in vacuum but not optimized like vacuum engines.
  • Booster 9 and Starship are planned to land in the ocean for this mission, with future plans for ground landings.
  • Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg was named due to the absence of Landing Zone 3 at Cape Canaveral.
  • Starship's return to launch site plan involves landing on the Chopsticks at the launch tower for quick restacking.
  • SpaceX's rapid reconstruction capabilities were commended, with a focus on the steel plating and water system for launch pad durability.

02:55:05

"Rocket wobble prompts stacking process scrutiny"

  • The rocket experienced a significant wobble, with the ship lifting and dropping a few inches, possibly due to unclear reasons as cameras were zoomed in from the ground.
  • Stabilizer pins on the right side of the rocket appeared to have gone in, indicating potential progress or changes in the stacking process.
  • The pins securing the Starship to the Chopsticks were observed to have gone back in, suggesting uncertainty about the readiness of the stack to stand on its own.
  • Questions arose regarding the hot staging ring's ability to hold the weight of the stack, with speculation on potential tests being conducted.
  • The addition of a hot staging ring was not seen to enhance launch abort capabilities, aligning with SpaceX's aim for Starship to be as reliable as an airliner.
  • The ongoing activities at Starbase were highlighted as part of testing and research and development, emphasizing the importance of identifying issues during the development phase.
  • Observations indicated that the ship was being held by the Chopsticks, with attention drawn to movements and changes in stabilizers and pins.
  • Uncertainty persisted regarding the stacking process, with observations of wobbling and audible sounds prompting continued monitoring of the situation.
  • The lack of audio from SpaceX during the activities underscored the reliance on external cameras for coverage and updates on the stacking process.
  • A detailed photo of the stack, showcasing the Raptors and other components, was shared, emphasizing the intricate details captured during the monitoring process.

03:10:24

"Ship 25: New Features Ensure Engine Safety"

  • A plate is observed on the cooling pipe of the ARVAC nozzle extension, a new detail seen on Ship 25.
  • Two pipes are visible on each side of the vehicle, with one used for engine chill, a new addition for Ship 25.
  • Engine shielding, black shields, and green nozzles are noted on the ship, with engine numbers 126 and another marked with an R for Raptor.
  • The booster section of Booster 9 features a fire extinguisher system to contain engine leaks and prevent fires.
  • The system on Booster 9 vents leaked methane to avoid engine fires, crucial for engine survival through main engine cut off.
  • The venting system on the booster is designed to prevent unapproved fires and maintain engine safety during operation.
  • The venting process observed on the rocket is part of the fire extinguisher system to ensure engine safety.
  • The hot staging ring on the vehicle is reinforced internally to maintain structural integrity during takeoff and acceleration.
  • The hot staging ring has undergone testing and reinforcement to ensure its strength during the vehicle's operation.
  • Bad weather, such as hurricanes, could potentially impact launch readiness for Starship, emphasizing the need for safe launch conditions.

03:26:38

"Airflow system issues delay ship launch"

  • The system being discussed involves a complex and crucial airflow mechanism that, if not functioning properly, could lead to significant issues.
  • The vents in the system are not easily concealable, as they are large enough for a person to fit inside, with each hole measuring around 80-90 cm in height.
  • The ship being worked on is not currently ready to accept the quick disconnect, as preparations are still ongoing, including the installation of a hand-cranked pulley system for working on the disconnect.
  • The possibility of a flight happening within the week is theoretically feasible, but in practice, it is unlikely due to the need for further tests and preparations, with a potential launch earliest on Monday.
  • A video premiere is scheduled to discuss the effectiveness of a steel water plate in making launch pads rapidly reusable, with the hope that the system being tested will lead to more efficient launches in the future.
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