It's go time for SpaceX's Starship Flight 3
Marcus House・20 minutes read
SpaceX prepares for Flight Test 3 with Ship 29's move to the orbital pad and rapid propellant loading, while also launching missions for commercial and satellite operations with successful outcomes.
Insights
- SpaceX has set a launch date target for flight test 3, with significant new details emerging as the countdown to the potential flight narrows down to days, raising questions about whether a full wet dress rehearsal or a static fire for ship 29 would occur.
- The propellant loading process for the fully stacked Starship was completed in just over 40 minutes, loading 4,600 metric tons of propellant at a remarkable pace, showcasing SpaceX's efficiency and technological advancements in spaceflight operations.
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Recent questions
What is the latest SpaceX launch date target?
SpaceX has set a launch date target for flight test 3, with new details emerging as the countdown to the potential flight narrows down to days.
How long did it take to complete the propellant loading process for the Starship?
The propellant loading process for the fully stacked Starship was completed in just over 40 minutes, loading 4,600 metric tons of propellant at a remarkable pace.
What routine tests did SpaceX conduct at the orbital launch site?
SpaceX prioritized preparing the orbital launch site, conducting routine tests like the detonation suppression system and propellant load.
What was the focus of the workers after the wet dress rehearsal for the Starship?
Following a wet dress rehearsal, workers focused on installing the flight termination system, tile attachments, and removing scaffolding from the Starship.
How many space lasers does the Starlink network exceed for data transmission globally?
SpaceX conducted a Falcon 9 Starlink mission, achieving 3 launches in 20 hours, with the network exceeding 10,000 space lasers for data transmission globally.
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Summary
00:00
SpaceX prepares for Starship flight test
- SpaceX has set a launch date target for flight test 3, with significant new details emerging as the countdown to the potential flight narrows down to days.
- Ship 29 arrived at suborbital pad B after being moved from the build site, then was transported to the orbital pad for a brief period before being returned to subad B.
- The ship was hoisted onto the pad using a new two-point lifter system, raising questions about whether a full wet dress rehearsal or a static fire for ship 29 would occur.
- SpaceX prioritized preparing the orbital launch site, conducting routine tests like the detonation suppression system and propellant load.
- The propellant loading process for the fully stacked Starship was completed in just over 40 minutes, loading 4,600 metric tons of propellant at a remarkable pace.
- Following a wet dress rehearsal, workers were allowed back to the pad, and a Deluge test was conducted, with official photos capturing the event.
- The Starship needed to be destacked to install the flight termination system before the final flight, with workers focusing on tile attachments and removing scaffolding.
- Groundwork for the second orbital launch pad began, installing drainage wicks to prevent soil erosion and upheaval.
- Booster 14's after section made an appearance, and a rusty grid fin was removed from old booster 4, hinting at potential future plans for the booster.
- NASA and SpaceX's Commercial Crew Program launched Crew 8 to the International Space Station, with the crew boarding the Crew Dragon Endeavor for a successful mission.
14:20
SpaceX Launches Dual Missions in Record Time
- SpaceX launched a mission for $300,000 carrying 50 kg of payload into a polar Sun synchronous orbit, showcasing liftoff scenes and tracking shots.
- The mission included stage separation, booster return to launch site, fairing separation, and deployment of 53 satellites, including Australia's largest satellite, Optimus one.
- Space Machines Company's mission aimed at establishing scalable space operations, servicing satellites, and deorbiting damaged ones, with SpaceX deploying all payloads over 2.5 hours.
- SpaceX also conducted a Falcon 9 Starlink mission within the same timeframe, achieving 3 launches in 20 hours, with the network exceeding 10,000 space lasers for data transmission globally.
