SpaceX Stacks Ship 28 on Booster 10

NASASpaceflight・2 minutes read

Ship 28 is about to be stacked on booster 10 for the first time, with potential for a static fire test and launch within three to four weeks, aiming for increased launch frequency and efficiency. Visitors to the launch facility may witness rapid changes and can meet NSF team members, while the first stack of two vehicles undergoes alignment processes for efficiency and speed.

Insights

  • Lack of ring stiffeners on the RVAC engines indicates no upcoming static fire test.
  • Static Wicks help in evenly distributing charges and providing a safe discharge path.
  • Visitors to the launch facility between February 18th and 24th may witness rapid changes at Starbase and can meet NSF team members for stickers and interactions.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of static wicks on flaps?

    Static wicks are added to flaps to prevent static electricity buildup and aid in lightning strikes. They help in evenly distributing charges and providing a safe discharge path. Lightning strikes can cause the static wick to be blown off a flap or wing due to built-up charge. Stainless steel Starship may have static wicks due to charge buildup during entry into the atmosphere.

  • How does the removal of film cooling affect Raptor engines?

    The removal of film cooling from Raptor engines improves engine efficiency. Initially, Raptor versions required extensive film cooling due to extreme temperatures and pressures. The change may lead to more efficient engines and a shift in exhaust color to orange. The Raptor flame appears more blue due to reduced film cooling, enhancing engine efficiency.

  • What is the significance of the booster's wobble during alignment?

    The booster's wobble during alignment serves as an indicator of proper alignment. The hook and pin system secures the ship to the booster, ensuring stability. Small angle deviations can lead to large movements, emphasizing the importance of precise alignment. The booster's wobble indicates that the mating mechanism is functioning correctly.

  • How is the mass of the booster and ship calculated?

    The mass of the booster and ship is estimated based on various factors like air mass, propellant residuals, and engine weight. The booster's mass is significantly impacted by the engines, with about a third of the mass attributed to them. The total weight of the booster and ship is around 5,000 tons when fully fueled, with additional systems like the engine chill offload system potentially increasing the overall weight further.

  • What is the purpose of the QD arm and Chopsticks in the stacking process?

    The QD arm is retracted, stabilizers are in place, and Chopsticks are supporting the ship during the stacking process. Ship 28 is about to be stacked on booster 10 for the first time, with the aim of efficiency and speed. The Chopsticks rotation limit has not been reached yet, indicating their effectiveness in supporting the ship during stacking.

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Summary

00:00

"SpaceX Prepares for Booster 10 Launch"

  • Off propulsion continues with R68 chamber pressure looking good
  • Ship 28 is about to be stacked on booster 10 for the first time
  • QD arm is retracted, stabilizers are in place, and Chopsticks are supporting the ship
  • Expect prop load testing and wet dress rehearsal after stacking
  • Three road closures scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8 am to 8 pm
  • Potential for a static fire test after testing, launch could be three to four weeks away
  • Anticipation for increased launch frequency and potential night launches
  • Fastest stack record was 33 minutes, aiming for a quicker stack this time
  • Spotlights add an Apollo vibe to the scene, enhancing the cinematic feel
  • Engine activity involved potentially swapping engines, uncertainty on whether a static fire test will be needed

14:58

SpaceX RVAC Engine Modifications and Readiness

  • Lack of ring stiffeners on the RVAC engines indicates no upcoming static fire test.
  • Ring stiffeners are used to prevent engine vibration during sea-level static fires.
  • Differences in engine color (white vs. not white) may indicate engine swaps or newer engines.
  • Engine numbers are difficult to discern due to their placement.
  • Current configuration suggests no static fire readiness for the RVAC engines.
  • SpaceX and FAA are collaborating on modifications for Flight 3 license.
  • Booster 4 and Ship 20 were stacked together two years ago using the Chopsticks.
  • Starlink satellites may be the initial payload for Starship, potentially on Version 1.
  • Static Wicks added to flaps to prevent static electricity buildup and aid in lightning strikes.
  • Static Wicks help in evenly distributing charges and providing a safe discharge path.

30:34

"Starship's Static Wicks and Efficient Engines"

  • Lightning strikes can cause the static wick to be blown off a flap or wing due to built-up charge.
  • Stainless steel Starship may have static wicks due to charge buildup during entry into the atmosphere.
  • The current ship is nearly over the old booster, with approximately 20-28 minutes elapsed since the start.
  • The Raptor flame appears more blue due to reduced film cooling, enhancing engine efficiency.
  • Film cooling involves injecting fuel around the nozzle to reduce combustion heat, but its removal improves engine efficiency.
  • Initial Raptor versions required extensive film cooling due to extreme temperatures and pressures.
  • The removal of film cooling may lead to more efficient engines and a change in exhaust color to orange.
  • The current stack alignment process involves lowering and adjusting the ship with the booster.
  • The first stack of two vehicles is challenging, with the current process aiming for efficiency and speed.
  • Visitors to the launch facility between February 18th and 24th may witness rapid changes at Starbase and can meet NSF team members for stickers and interactions.

46:14

"Max's Chaos in YouTube Chat"

  • Max is known for sewing chaos in the YouTube chat
  • Max excels in chaos, photography, and being a nice person
  • Discussion on the stacking of Starships and boosters to meet contractual requirements
  • The need to increase the Cadence for launches due to contractual obligations
  • Potential for same-day restocking and launching of boosters, as per Elon Musk's claim
  • Historical increase in launch Cadence by SpaceX over the years
  • Fuel transfer demonstration planned for IFG3 mission
  • Details on the planned propellant transfer in orbit for the mission
  • Speculation on the number of detacks before a potential launch
  • Discussion on the potential benefits of shining the ship like Chrome for heat reflection and thermal energy properties

01:02:32

"Precision and Geometry in Space Exploration"

  • Small angle deviations lead to large movements.
  • The Starship's location is determined by where it isn't.
  • Objects far away may seem to move slowly due to distance.
  • Trigonometry and geometry are key in understanding movement.
  • The launch vehicle's mating mechanism involves three clamps.
  • Tiles falling off could impact the success of re-entry.
  • The booster's wobble indicates proper alignment.
  • The hook and pin system secures the ship to the booster.
  • Raptor engine version 3 is not yet in operation.
  • The total weight of the booster and ship is around 5,000 tons when fully fueled.

01:21:06

"Spacecraft Mass Calculation Challenges and Solutions"

  • The Wier is approximately 200 and something, with a dry mass likely over 200, and the ship weighs around 120 tons dry.
  • Ship boosters can lift an engineless booster with a single Bridge crane inside the mega Bay, rated for 180 tons, suggesting the booster's mass is slightly lower, around 240 tons with engines, shielding, and hot State ring.
  • The mass of the booster and ship is ambiguous due to factors like air mass and propellant residuals, posing a challenge in defining their total mass accurately.
  • The booster's mass is significantly impacted by the engines, with about a third of the mass attributed to them, necessitating the use of two cranes for installation due to the weight exceeding the crane's capacity.
  • The mass of a Raptor engine is estimated at around 1.5 tons, with 33 engines, shielding, plumbing, and other systems contributing to a total mass of approximately 50 tons in the engine section.
  • Additional mass will be added to the engine section for systems like the engine chill offload system, potentially increasing the overall weight further.
  • The mass of air in both vehicles is estimated to be between 5 to 10 tons, a substantial factor in the total mass calculations.
  • Ship 28 is equipped with RCS thrusters for maneuverability, including roll thrusters, nose thrusters, and tank vents that can act as RCS thrusters for roll, pitch, and yaw control.
  • A future booster iteration may feature three large grid fins and a small fourth one to reduce drag, as discussed by Elon Musk, aiming for mass optimization despite potential aesthetic concerns.
  • The ship's alignment process involves adjustments to ensure proper positioning, with considerations for vent locations and potential future design changes like additional grid fins for efficiency.

01:39:15

Spacecraft Propellant Transfer and Maneuvers Explained

  • Frantically Googling an image, Simpsons reference appreciated
  • Grant thanked for support, pastry chef fan of rocket science explanations
  • Chopsticks rotation limit questioned, not reached yet
  • Transfer of liquid fuel in zero gravity explained using thrusters
  • Thrusters release pressure to move propellant to bottom of tank
  • Falcon 9 thrusters burn before engine firing to move propellant
  • Heat shield can withstand high orbit or lunar re-entry, designed for Mars return
  • Starships docking and fuel transfer estimated for 2025, complex maneuver
  • Wobble observed during booster connection, alignment indicator pipe explained
  • Plunger method for pushing fuel questioned, simplicity preferred in design

01:57:41

NASA Social Media Updates and IF3 Merchandise Release

  • Follow NASA Space Flight on social media, particularly Twitter, for updates and information.
  • Stay tuned for the announcement of the IF3 mission patch merchandise release, as it is highly recommended and anticipated.
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