SpaceX Tests Ship 29 in Preparation for the Fourth Starship Flight

NASASpaceflight・2 minutes read

SpaceX prepares for Starship flight 3, targeting Indian Ocean landing and testing various objectives for future missions, with concerns over security risks. The text also discusses ongoing testing, production at Star Factory, and viewer engagement with SpaceX's developments and future plans.

Insights

  • SpaceX is targeting Thursday for Starship flight 3, pending regulatory approval and close to receiving an FAA launch license, with 17 corrective actions completed.
  • Starship flight 3 will demonstrate a raptor in-space relight demo and propellant transfer, aiming for re-entry closer to the Indian Ocean without a payload.
  • SpaceX plans to increase test objectives for future missions, including powered landings and Starlink satellite launches by flight five.
  • Starship 28 is undergoing tile inspections, while SpaceX considers segmented fuel tanks for Boost back maneuver and potential powered targeted landings.
  • SpaceX anticipates nine launches this year but may realistically achieve four or five, focusing on Starlink terminal installations and future orbital flights.

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Recent questions

  • What are the key objectives for Starship flight 3?

    Starship flight 3 aims to demonstrate various test objectives, including a raptor in space relight demo at T plus 40 minutes and 46 seconds. This involves igniting a single c-level engine on Starship for a fake deorbit burn lasting about 10 seconds. Additionally, the flight will showcase the propellant transfer demo at T plus 24 minutes and 31 seconds, transferring propellant between header and main tanks. The mission will also simulate loads by dumping liquid oxygen and fuel during ascent, with plans for re-entry closer to the Indian Ocean.

  • What is the significance of the Indian Ocean landing for Starship flight 3?

    The Indian Ocean landing for Starship flight 3 serves as a crucial location for additional demonstrations and testing. While concerns about security risks in the area have been raised, SpaceX aims to showcase various capabilities during this landing. The flight will not carry a payload but will simulate loads by dumping liquid oxygen and fuel during ascent. This landing location allows SpaceX to conduct necessary tests and gather valuable data for future missions and developments.

  • How does SpaceX plan to increase test objectives for future missions?

    SpaceX is considering increasing test objectives for future missions after the success of flight 3, potentially including more challenging tasks. One of the test objectives for the upcoming mission involves a raptor in space relight demo at T plus 40 minutes and 46 seconds, showcasing the ignition of a single c-level engine on Starship for a deorbit burn. Additionally, SpaceX plans to demonstrate opening the payload door, a feature not tested on previous flights due to explosions and welding shut. These expanded test objectives aim to push the boundaries of Starship's capabilities and readiness for future missions.

  • What are the potential challenges with powered landings in the Indian Ocean?

    SpaceX has not filed a request for powered landings in the Indian Ocean, as indicated in FCC documentation. While initial plans for powered targeted landings in the Pacific Ocean were considered, recent flights have splashed down in the ocean, deviating from the original plans. Plans for Indian Ocean landings may involve crashing instead of soft splashdowns, raising concerns about hardware collection by bad actors. The complexity of landing procedures and potential modifications needed for successful powered landings in the Indian Ocean pose challenges for SpaceX's future missions.

  • How does SpaceX plan to enhance the production rate of Starship vehicles?

    SpaceX aims to increase the production rate of Starship vehicles significantly with the completion of Star Factory. Currently, they can build a ship and booster every month, taking about 3 months for each vehicle. Future production could reduce to one month per vehicle once Star Factory is operational. While stacking vehicles is relatively easy, installing wiring, piping, engines, and shielding is time-consuming. The streamlined production process, including early tile installations and engine chill pipe visibility before tests, will contribute to the efficiency and speed of building Starship vehicles.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Starship Poised for Successful Flight 3"

  • Starship testing stream featuring Starship Poise for flight 4 on suborbital pad B.
  • Starship flight 3 completed a full wet dress rehearsal successfully.
  • SpaceX targeting no earlier than Thursday for flight 3 pending regulatory approval.
  • FAA close to issuing launch license to SpaceX for flight 3.
  • SpaceX made a post on their website and X indicating the target launch date.
  • 17 corrective actions completed by SpaceX for FAA approval.
  • Starship flight 3 will land in the Indian Ocean for additional demonstrations.
  • SpaceX adding 43 acres of land next to the sub pad for support purposes.
  • Starship 28 undergoing tile inspections and testing for flight readiness.
  • Ali gifted 50 red team memberships and RC Horseman tipped $100, greatly supporting NSF.

16:54

SpaceX Plans Ambitious Test Objectives for Mission

  • SpaceX is considering increasing test objectives for the next mission after a successful flight to Hawaii.
  • A test objective for the upcoming mission includes a raptor in space relight demo at T plus 40 minutes and 46 seconds.
  • The relight demo involves igniting a single c-level engine on Starship for a fake deorbit burn lasting about 10 seconds.
  • SpaceX plans to demonstrate opening the payload door, a feature not tested on previous flights due to explosions and welding shut.
  • Another test objective is the propellant transfer demo at T plus 24 minutes and 31 seconds, transferring propellant between header and main tanks.
  • The flight will ensure re-entry closer to the Indian Ocean, with no indication of a patch change for the mission.
  • Flight three will not carry a payload but will simulate loads by dumping liquid oxygen and fuel during ascent.
  • Concerns about security risks in the Indian Ocean are raised, with potential for hardware collection by bad actors.
  • SpaceX aims to eventually launch Starlink satellites on future flights, potentially by flight five.
  • SpaceX has not filed a request for powered landings in the Indian Ocean, as indicated in FCC documentation.

34:08

"Starlink terminals on Starship: Updates and Speculation"

  • Starlink terminals installed on previous flights, more to be carried on this one.
  • Documentation for Starlink terminals ongoing since May 2021.
  • Permits requested from FCC for Starlink terminals on Starship.
  • Initial plans for powered targeted landings in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Recent flights splashed down in the ocean, not as initially planned.
  • Plans for Indian Ocean landings likely to involve crashing, not soft splashdowns.
  • Misinterpretations of orbital flight requirements for Indian Ocean landings.
  • Introduction of a new flight three patch available for purchase.
  • Speculation on booster 9's failure and potential changes for Boost back burn.
  • Suggestions for segmented fuel tanks to aid Boost back maneuver.

49:52

SpaceX's DIY Projects and Starlink Satellites

  • Velcro or similar adhesive materials can be used for DIY projects to attach items.
  • Members of a certain group gain access to a members multiview showing various camera angles at Starbase.
  • Flight 4 may involve deploying dummy Starlink satellites depending on the success of Flight 3.
  • SpaceX's expected nine launches this year may not be met, with a more realistic estimate being four or five.
  • The propellant transfer demonstration involves transferring fuel between tanks on Starship.
  • SpaceX may simulate catch maneuvers by hovering boosters at the height of Mechazilla arms before splashdown.
  • A suggestion for NSF-themed cards that play music when opened is considered.
  • Ship 29, not Ship 28 for Flight 3, may lose tiles at launch, with improvements expected.
  • Ship 28 undergoes tile testing to ensure they are in good shape for flight, with replacements made as needed.
  • SpaceX prioritized getting data on reaching orbit with Ship 25 over tile improvements, indicating a focus on flight success over tile concerns.

01:05:51

Limited Edition Patches, Missing Tiles, Header Tanks

  • Patches are ordered in bulk, with limited quantities available for each flight; once sold out, they will not be restocked.
  • Older patches are running out, so it's advised to purchase them soon, especially for collectors.
  • Neil received a message thanking him for his camera work and informative shots for Flight 3.
  • Two tiles are missing from the second tower, likely falling off during preparations.
  • The missing tiles are crucial for the tower's structure and need to be addressed.
  • The placement of header tanks in Starship's nose aids in balancing weight during re-entry.
  • The header tanks help stabilize the ship's center of gravity during re-entry.
  • Missing tiles on Starship may not be mission-ending, but SpaceX will learn more during the test re-entry.
  • The docking port's location on Starship depends on the version and purpose of the spacecraft.
  • Updates on flight schedules for NASA's WB-57 imagery aircraft should be verified as they support various missions, not just Starship flights.

01:21:41

"Starship Launch Window and Viewing Options"

  • The launch window for the Starship flight 3 is from 7 a.m. to 9:31 a.m. Central Time on the 14th, 15th, and 18th, with shorter windows on the 16th and 17th.
  • Specific areas and coordinates are restricted during the launch window, as detailed in the notam.
  • There are various viewing options for the launch, including parks, marine watch areas, and charter boats.
  • The launch may be visible and audible from various locations in South Texas.
  • The Starship may not be an ideal launch escape system due to fueling and ignition constraints.
  • SpaceX may need to redesign the pad for sub-24-hour turnarounds, requiring significant changes.
  • Potential modifications could include increased water spraying for protection during launches.
  • The exact damage and repairs needed between launches are not publicly disclosed.
  • The potential for more Dash content is requested by viewers in the chat.
  • The venting observed from the Starship indicates ongoing activities related to the launch preparations.

01:38:42

SpaceX's Star Factory to Boost Production

  • Star Factory's production rate is expected to increase significantly once complete.
  • Currently, they can build a ship and booster every month, taking about 3 months for each.
  • Stacking vehicles is easy, but installing wiring, piping, engines, and shielding is time-consuming.
  • Ships take about 3 months to complete, including engine testing.
  • Future production could reduce to one month per vehicle with the completion of Star Factory.
  • Tiles are installed early on individual sections to streamline the production process.
  • Engine chill pipes are visible before tests, with venting lasting around 30 minutes.
  • SpaceX aims to complete all tests within an hour at the current altitude.
  • Tugboat-style dragging ships to the Moon using fuel from one ship is deemed inefficient.
  • The ship contains around 177,000 to 180,000 tiles, with the count varying per vehicle.

01:55:40

"Starship graphics, tea towels, and orbital flights"

  • Graphics need to be completed for the Starship live stream.
  • Discussion about explaining a tea towel to Jack and Adrian.
  • Frost forming on the liquid oxygen tank due to pressure release.
  • Engine chill process starting as expected.
  • Technical issues with displaying super stickers on screen.
  • Memberships and purchases acknowledged and thanked.
  • Starship's expected time to reach orbit discussed.
  • SpaceX's focus on orbital flights over perfecting landing processes.
  • Debate and confusion over the differences between towels and tea towels.
  • Anticipation for future Starship flights and potential increased launch cadence.

02:12:38

SpaceX's Propellant Challenges and Future Plans

  • Discussion on propellant supplies and potential future plans for SpaceX's tank farm and propellant transfer methods.
  • Mention of potential reservoir outside the launch complex for propellant storage and transfer.
  • Reference to the complexity of SpaceX's operations, including booster recovery and propellant transfer challenges.
  • Anticipation of new challenges with Starship, such as cryogenic transfer in orbit on a large scale.
  • Explanation of the need for sea level and vacuum Raptors on Starship's second stage for various maneuvers.
  • Analysis of indicators for a spin Prime test on Ship 29, including frost appearance and engine chill pipes venting.
  • Speculation on potential test scenarios based on observed venting activities on the vehicle.
  • Mention of water activation as a possible indicator for an upcoming test.
  • Consideration of SpaceX's launch Cadence goals and potential challenges in meeting them.
  • Discussion on the feasibility and cost of expanding coverage to potential SpaceX sites in other countries.

02:27:28

"Test Progress and Water Management Concerns"

  • 21 minutes have passed since the start of the test.
  • Matts gifted 50 memberships, showing incredible support.
  • Concern arises due to lack of water activity near the test engine.
  • Speculation on the quality of the venting, leaning towards a bad vent.
  • Observation of the vent stack running indicates DET tanking progress.
  • The test seems to be going awry, with potential issues with the vent.
  • Discussion on long-term plans for water management at the launch pad.
  • Recovery and treatment of water from the vehicle discussed.
  • Mention of the historical shuttle era's water tower and its unique sensorless design.
  • Caution advised on collecting Starship tiles and potential legal implications.

02:42:46

Excitement and Efficiency in Starship Launches

  • The text discusses the excitement surrounding the upcoming Starship launch, particularly referencing previous launches and the anticipation for the next one.
  • A question is posed about the potential efficiency increase when sea level and vacuum engines fire together, with a focus on the plume interaction.
  • The response to the question suggests that while there may be some confinement of the sea level plume by the vacuum engines, the impact on efficiency is likely minimal due to the desired low pressure at the end of the engines.
  • Various opinions are shared on the topic, with some mentioning the potential for an error spike effect and others reminiscing about past space vehicle projects like the X33 Venture Star.
  • The discussion shifts to the current test at hand, with observations on frost receding and the possibility of a spin prime test.
  • The process of aborting a test due to issues like weather or technical problems is explained, highlighting the potential for a retry within the same launch window or postponement to the next day.
  • The conversation veers towards the X33 Venture Star and its significance in the realm of space vehicle reusability, contrasting it with the current focus on full reusability with vehicles like Starship.
  • The text delves into personal experiences and memories related to following space projects like the X33 Venture Star and the excitement surrounding technological advancements in the field.
  • Details about the availability of patches related to the upcoming Starship launch are shared, with a note that only 30% of the patches remain.
  • The discussion touches on the evolving culture and practices within the space industry, comparing past experiences with SpaceX launches and the current expectations for transparency and information sharing.

02:57:24

SpaceX Starship: Future Missions and Capabilities

  • SpaceX will use Starship 4 for commercial missions, including carrying massive payloads like potential Hubble retrieval.
  • Elon Musk expressed interest in the capability of Starship for such missions, hinting at future possibilities.
  • The design of the Starship includes windows, making it visually stunning, although it is still far from completion.
  • Anticipation for the rocket's capabilities remains high, with expectations of it carrying both payloads and eventually people to Mars.
  • Coverage of various rockets, including SLS and New Glenn, offers a diverse range of vehicles to follow.
  • Opportunities exist to join NSF for those interested in contributing to rocket coverage, with specific skills and experience required.
  • Ship 29 is undergoing DET tanking, with potential for further tests like spin Prime or static fire.
  • Continuous live coverage on Space C Live ensures viewers don't miss any developments, with a focus on upcoming events like the potential launch of IF3 on March 14th.
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