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SpaceX Rolls Out Ship 25 for Starship - Integrated Flight Test 2

NASASpaceflight・169 minutes read

Ship 25 is being prepared for launch at Starbase, with a team including Sawyer Rosenstein, Adrian Bile, and Trevor. The ship may undergo future testing like a wet dress rehearsal, and the focus remains on testing the booster's capabilities.

Insights

  • Ship 25 is being prepared for launch at Starbase with a team including Sawyer Rosenstein, Adrian Bile, and Trevor.
  • The ship has undergone a static fire test on June 26th with all six Raptor engines, and no further static fires are planned.
  • The ship may be de-stacked to arm the FTS pins before restacking for launch date procedures.
  • SpaceX may use Starship for Starlink missions to test the deployment of full-size V2 satellites.
  • Repairing the orbital launch pad after each flight currently limits the frequency of flights.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the static fire test on Ship 25?

    The static fire test on Ship 25, conducted on June 26th, involved igniting all six Raptor engines to ensure they function properly. This test is crucial to validate the engines' performance and readiness for the upcoming launch.

  • How does SpaceX plan to lift Ship 25 for launch?

    SpaceX plans to lift Ship 25 using the Chopsticks, a lifting mechanism designed for Starship. Modifications were made to the ship, removing crane lifting points and adding Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles to facilitate the lifting process.

  • What are the potential future tests for Ship 25?

    Potential future tests for Ship 25 include a wet dress rehearsal, a cryo test, or skipping additional testing and proceeding directly to launch attempts. These tests are essential to ensure the ship's readiness and performance before the actual launch.

  • Why does SpaceX aim for morning to early evening launches?

    SpaceX aims for morning to early evening launches to optimize data collection and public excitement. Launching during these times allows for better visibility and tracking of the mission, enhancing the overall experience for spectators and ensuring optimal conditions for data gathering.

  • How does SpaceX ensure proper fuel distribution in Falcon 9 engines?

    Before ignition, Falcon 9 engines are settled using propellant settling thrusters to ensure proper fuel distribution. This process is crucial to maintain engine efficiency and performance during launch.

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Summary

00:00

Ship 25 Prepares for Launch at Starbase

  • Ship 25 is being prepared for launch at Starbase, with a team including Sawyer Rosenstein, Adrian Bile, and Trevor.
  • Ship 25 is rolling out to the launch site, with no road closure announced, possibly due to a holiday weekend.
  • The ship is being moved with the help of counterweights and pressurization for stability during the rollout.
  • The process of moving the ship from the production site to the launch site takes about an hour, quicker than before.
  • Ship 25 has undergone a static fire test on June 26th with all six Raptor engines, and no further static fires are planned.
  • The ship will be lifted using the Chopsticks due to modifications that removed the crane lifting points and added TPS tiles.
  • SpaceX may de-stack the ship to arm the FTS pins before restacking for launch date procedures.
  • The FTS system on the booster has been enhanced with additional charges for better performance if needed.
  • Potential future tests for Ship 25 include a wet dress rehearsal, a cryo test, or skipping additional testing and going straight to launch attempts.
  • The flight path for Ship 25 is expected to be similar to the first integrated flight test, with some modifications like quicker engine ignition and possibly higher throttle settings.

17:18

"Unconventional Vehicle Control Methods in Action"

  • The person driving the vehicle is sometimes seen sitting on top of it, with a control panel in hand, walking around and driving it like a personal ride.
  • The vehicle, likely a spmt, has reduced physical switches and controls, with most operations done on tablets or similar devices.
  • The spmt driver may be seen waiting for a bit before hitting the highway, with the Aldi lights placed perfectly for visibility.
  • The TPS rings on the ship have different colors due to being placed at different times, with some welds still open for access.
  • A humorous reference is made to ordering a staircase with a non-working ship number in a recent Starbase update.
  • Road closures may be due to a rolling roadblock, possibly related to the timing of Labor Day and website updates.
  • Falcon 9 engines are settled using propellant settling thrusters before ignition, ensuring proper fuel distribution.
  • Ship 25 may still be using cold gas thrusters for RCS control, with no design changes yet.
  • The advantage of hot staging in Starship is highlighted, settling propellants for ignition without concerns of gas bubbles.
  • The spmt driver is seen using an orange box to control the massive ship, with a view of the Raptor engines during the roll.

34:25

SpaceX Ship 25: Booster Validation Mission Success

  • Ship 25 on the stand is seen passing the camera, showing how it's secured with chains on the spmts.
  • The close view reveals the inner workings of the spmt, highlighting the hardware movement.
  • The Raptors are briefly visible, showcasing their curved shapes.
  • The ship's front with new vents and thermal protection system tiles are mentioned for observation.
  • Purge vents are installed on the ship's engine section for safety.
  • The ship will crash into the ocean after re-entry, with SpaceX recovering large parts.
  • The flight aims to validate the booster, with Ship 25 playing a secondary role.
  • The goal is to reach stage separation with minimal pad damage.
  • The Deluge plate system has shown cracking but is not a major concern for SpaceX.
  • The massive ship's rollout is highlighted, showcasing its speed and size compared to other rockets.

51:44

SpaceX's Innovative Ship and Booster Rollouts

  • The booster's mission continues after stage separation, aiming to re-enter and perform a pseudo Landing burn and boost backburn to gather data.
  • Activating the flight termination system involves more paperwork but ensures the ship and booster fixes work, reducing the risk of a repeat of past failures.
  • Vents on the ship resemble those on the booster, likely for engine section monitoring to prevent fires.
  • The ship's QD system connects to a pressurization system for transport, maintaining ship pressurization.
  • The Raptor engine's high pressure amplifies leaks, necessitating stringent purging mechanisms due to methane's flammability.
  • The booster and ship rollout to the launch site offers a close-up view, showcasing the ship's tiles and the self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT).
  • SpaceX's night rollouts are due to the challenging wetland terrain, making road or rail construction impractical.
  • SpaceX aims for morning to early evening launches for optimal data collection and public excitement.
  • A drone flying around the ship during rollout likely serves as a photo op rather than an inspection.
  • SpaceX's use of drones for photography during rollouts and tests enhances public engagement and showcases the vehicles' progress.

01:08:47

Starbase Tanks, Boosters, and Catch Attempts

  • Tanks at Starbase include a liquid oxygen header tank and a CH4 transfer tube acting as a header tank for the booster.
  • Falcon 9 has fuel collectors, similar to the fuel collector in Starship.
  • Adopting a highway at Starbase is discussed, with comparisons to American sponsorship programs.
  • Potential future testing after the full stack includes a white dress rehearsal, cryogenic test, or straight into launch sequences.
  • Speculation on the timeline for the next launch attempt, with predictions ranging from two weeks to the end of the month.
  • Reasons why Ship 25 may not attempt propulsive landings are discussed, including potential permit requirements and focus on booster testing.
  • The main focus of current flights seems to be on testing the booster's capabilities and performance.
  • Speculation on when attempts to catch the booster may occur, with estimates ranging from the fourth to fifth flight, potentially between March and June next year.
  • Catch attempts could depend on the success of the second integrated flight test and progress made in booster testing.
  • Discussion on potential catch attempts being closer to the end of next year, dependent on progress and outcomes of current testing.

01:25:37

SpaceX's Ship 25 Prepares for Starlink Mission

  • SpaceX could potentially scale up their flights to once every two months once they figure out the pad situation.
  • Repairing the orbital launch pad after each flight currently limits the frequency of flights.
  • Testing the booster alone may not provide significant data as the full stack is crucial for understanding how everything functions.
  • Igniting and firing all 33 engines could be a valuable test, but data from a full stack is preferred.
  • Using a mass simulator like ship 25 is essential for testing various aspects of the vehicle.
  • Ship 25 has not traveled much, with most of its movements done using the SPMTs.
  • Ship 25's odometer reading is likely low due to limited travel.
  • Ship 25 is currently in a holding pattern, with work ongoing at the orbital launch mount.
  • The lift operation for ship 25 is expected to happen soon, possibly within the next day.
  • SpaceX may use Starship for Starlink missions to test the deployment of full-size V2 satellites.

01:43:33

SpaceX's SPMT Issues and Repair Speculations

  • Ship 25, 27, and 26 had their payload bay doors welded shut, with 27 being scrapped and 26 unlikely to fly.
  • Ship 28 has not had its payload bay door welded shut yet, leaving a possibility for future actions.
  • A golf cart arrived from the production site and dropped off a person at the SPMT, with their role remaining unclear.
  • In the NSF Discord, the field, SPMT, and Mechazilla are engaged in a conversation in the party chat channel.
  • Speculation arises about potential road damage from SpaceX's heavy trucks and SPMTs, questioning who will pay for repairs.
  • A group of five or six people are examining the SPMT, with ship 25 stationary and work ongoing on the Chopsticks for lifting.
  • Speculation emerges about the SPMT potentially breaking down during rollout, leading to discussions on repair scenarios.
  • Overseas, AAA is equivalent to the American Automobile Association, offering roadside assistance for vehicle breakdowns.
  • The field is stationary, with SpaceX reportedly trying to obtain a part for the SPMT, indicating a possible issue.
  • Metal prints of astrophotography shots, including one of the Moon and Starbase, are discussed, with resolution requirements impacting availability.

02:00:56

"Quality Metal Prints, Starship Launch Speculation"

  • Metal prints are tested to ensure they look good before being offered for sale.
  • Quality control is prioritized to avoid selling prints that do not meet standards.
  • Delays may occur to ensure the quality of the product.
  • Resolution is a key factor in determining print quality.
  • A pun about giving Jack an award for being "outstanding in the field" is appreciated.
  • Speculation on the timeline for the first Starship test/launch at Cape Canaveral ranges from two years to late 2025/early 2026.
  • Minimal work on Starship at Launch Complex 39A has been observed, potentially waiting for final successful configuration.
  • Preparation at Space Launch Complex 40 indicates readiness for potential Starship work at 39A.
  • Speculation on Starship launch timing is influenced by the condition of the pad after the next launch.
  • The SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter) experienced a breakdown during a rollout, causing a delay in operations.

02:18:45

SpaceX's Starship spmt issue and solutions

  • The live stream can be accessed on YouTube or nsf.live Starbase for 24/7 coverage.
  • Updates from the field indicate work on the right spmt's power pack.
  • Rust from salt air along the Gulf of Mexico can affect Starship and boosters.
  • SpaceX operates the spmts for moving rockets, not an external company.
  • Spmts are used for transporting ships, ship sections, and other heavy machinery.
  • SpaceX repurposed shuttle Transporters for Falcon 9 boosters.
  • The FAA report must be completed before Starship can fly again.
  • SpaceX personnel are seen working on the right spmt with tools and a toolbox.
  • The spmt breakdown while the ship is on top can pose risks and challenges.
  • Troubleshooting and potential remote assistance are being explored for the spmt issue.

02:35:54

"Space exploration passion sparked by Falcon Heavy"

  • The drone was used for capturing beauty shots for social media rather than inspection purposes.
  • Gatorade Powerade bottle was still present, indicating Gatorade's victory over water in the comparison.
  • Jack's camera angle made it seem like the ship was leaning, but it was actually upright.
  • Eight people were needed to repair the SPMT, with detailed insights provided by seven others.
  • The handheld camera view by Jack provided a broad idea of the ongoing repairs.
  • The focus seemed to be on stage zero rather than ship reentry, with emphasis on the Deluge plate and upgraded concrete.
  • The SPMT was lifted by driving under the ship and then raising it, as the crane lifting points were covered.
  • Troubleshooting of the lights on the SPMT was ongoing, with flickering lights observed.
  • The love for rockets stemmed from watching Falcon Heavy's test flight and reading about Elon Musk's SpaceX endeavors.
  • The Challenger Center for Space Science Education sparked a passion for space exploration, leading to a career in educating others about space.

02:52:25

Starship transport delays launch, repairs underway

  • Expected nominal rollout of ship 25 to launch site, stacked on booster nine for second Starship flight.
  • Right spmt breakdown halfway through pad, Starship stranded on Highway 4 for repairs.
  • 50-meter tall Starship stuck on road, awaiting spmt repair for movement.
  • Self-propelled modular transporter (spmt) malfunction halts movement.
  • Hope for resolution as part for spmt repair being installed.
  • Jack repositions for better view, stuck in traffic jam behind Starship.
  • Potential lift postponed to early tomorrow due to delays.
  • Inability to tow Starship due to balance and leveling issues.
  • Heavy equipment brought in for spmt repair, cars moved back 100 feet.
  • Thrust from booster not expected to damage launch pad due to calculated design.

03:10:37

"Starbase: Tower, Starship, and Videographers"

  • The Raptors fire longer than usual onto the pad
  • Jack receives a $10 tip from Kim
  • There are hangouts with other videographers at Starbase
  • The narrator knows many SpaceX videographers and NASA personnel
  • Starbase is not a common destination for non-space-related visitors
  • The Chopsticks are in ship lifting mode, expecting a lift early the next day
  • Heavy equipment is brought in, potentially for replacing a power pack
  • The Starbase Tower is the tallest at 479 feet
  • The original Starship design had a 12-meter diameter and hydrogen-powered Raptor
  • The current Starship design is more cost-effective and efficient due to reduced diameter and lessons learned from previous designs.

03:29:05

SpaceX's Complex Core Strapping for Mars Mission

  • SpaceX faced challenges with strapping three cores together, highlighting the complexity of such a design.
  • The discussion delves into the potential of using 99 Raptors for a payload of 550 tons, mainly for Mars colonization.
  • Plans involving Starship include refueling vehicles in orbit and setting up bases on the Moon and Mars.
  • The stream concludes after hours of monitoring, with a focus on rest and readiness for potential launches.
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