Author Topic: SpaceX Starship OFT-2  (Read 11632 times)

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Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #25 on: September 10, 2023, 09:55:00 pm »
SpaceX releases Starship test flight update

What went wrong?

The first issue SpaceX noted in their website’s update is that propellant had been leaking from the aft end of the booster. The leak resulted in fires that severed the connection between the engines and the vehicle’s flight computer. This means that the vehicle had no way to control the engines or use their ability to be angled (known as a gimbal) to adjust the vehicle’s position. The loss of control of the booster’s engines led to the loss of control of the vehicle.

SpaceX also reported that the Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS), an onboard computer that manages the Flight Termination System (FTS), did activate when the vehicle began to tumble and drift off of its planned course. SpaceX noted the time between activation of the FTS and the vehicle’s break up as an “unexpected delay”.

 What Did SpaceX Say They Did To Fix This?

To prevent leaks on future flights, such as on the upcoming flight of Ship 25 and Booster 9, SpaceX has implemented ‘leak mitigations’ and has improved testing measures. SpaceX has also expanded the fire mitigation hardware present on the Super Heavy booster. Together these efforts aim to hopefully prevent the fires we saw on Starship’s first launch attempt.

A short list of other fixes that have been reported as implemented ahead of the next flight of Starship is below:

•   Use of a ‘hot staging’ system between Starship and its Super Heavy booster, whereby Starship will fire its engines while attached to Super Heavy and push itself off of Super Heavy.

•   The use of an electronic Thrust Vector Control system instead of the previous hydraulic system. This should have better reliability and resilience. Notable for having fewer failure points and requiring less power than a hydraulic system.

•   Improvements and upgrades to the launch mount, which previously resulted in a crater when Starship launched previously. Work has been ongoing for several months since and recent static fires have not resulted in any significant pad damage since.

More: https://spaceexplored.com/2023/09/09/spacex-releases-starship-test-flight-update/


Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #26 on: September 11, 2023, 11:02:37 pm »
Next Flight of the Giant SpaceX Starship Draws Closer

CNET by  Eric Mack 9/11/2023

   Elon Musk says his Mars rocket prototype is ready to launch.

The Federal Aviation Administration came one step closer on Friday to giving SpaceX's Starship the green light to launch again, but says it needs to see dozens of improvements first. SpaceX founder Elon Musk says most of those changes are done and he's ready to blast off.

The FAA announced it has closed its investigation into the "mishap" ending of Starship's first orbital flight attempt on April 20. That test ended with the vehicle being intentionally destroyed after the first stage Super Heavy booster failed to separate from the main Starship itself. 

The agency that oversees commercial spaceflight in the US sent a letter to SpaceX outlining a list of 63 corrective actions to be taken before a launch license will be issued for the next Starship orbital flight attempt.

To be clear, the list of changes was developed in cooperation with SpaceX engineers and approved by the FAA. The way the process actually works is that SpaceX determines what it thinks caused the mishap and submits a report, including corrective actions, to the FAA. That report was submitted Aug. 21. As part of its side of the investigation, the FAA reviewed that report and sent over a final list of required changes to SpaceX last week.

"Corrective actions include redesigns of vehicle hardware to prevent leaks and fires, redesign of the launch pad to increase its robustness, incorporation of additional reviews in the design process, additional analysis and testing of safety critical systems," the FAA said in a statement. 

More: https://www.cnet.com/science/space/next-flight-of-the-giant-spacex-starship-is-drawing-closer/

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #27 on: September 20, 2023, 11:48:52 pm »
Starship rocket launch window revealed by FAA

SpaceX ‘ready to launch’ biggest rocket ever built, Elon Musk says

Regulators have revealed when they expect to approve a launch license to SpaceX for the next major flight test of its Starship rocket.

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) commercial space division said a mishap investigation from the last test in April had been concluded and a license would likely be granted “somewhere in mid to late October”, assuming SpaceX make the necessary changes.

More: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/starship-launch-date-spacex-faa-b2415048.html

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #28 on: September 22, 2023, 11:45:09 pm »
SpaceX awaits Starship launch approval as U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has yet to complete Environmental Impact Investigation

https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/wildlife-approval

TESMANIAN  By Evelyn Janeidy Arevalo 9/21/23

SpaceX is ready to launch the second fully-integrated Starship Super Heavy, however, the company is still pending a spaceflight license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In order to receive launch approval, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) must complete their investigation into the environmental impact of the Starbase launch operations. FWS has yet to begin the review process which could potentially take months to complete which may delay the next flight attempt to orbit. The timeline for the FWS investigation varies widely, estimated to be between 30 to 135 days, depending on the complexity of the task.

The Starship, which currently stands ready on its launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, has garnered widespread attention for its potential to revolutionize space travel and space enthusiasts from around the world are eagerly waiting for SpaceX to launch Starship to orbit. NASA also depends on SpaceX to speed up its Starship development operations because the company has been paid to develop a lunar-optimized version of Starship, called Human Landing System (HLS), to return astronauts to the Moon by 2025.

Recently, FAA representatives expressed optimism about completing the safety review of the license application by the end of October. SpaceX founder Elon Musk shared on September 10 that Starbase teams had completed 57 “corrective actions” required by the FAA for Flight 2 of Starship. The corrective actions include improvements in various aspects of the launch system from structural enhancements to safety measures, including the integration of a steel water deluge system at the Starbase launch tower, as previously reported by TESMANIAN. However, SpaceX's modifications to the Starship program are subject to an additional environmental review process. As part of this process, the FAA submitted a draft update of the Biological Assessment to the US Fish & Wildlife Service for review and requested consultation under the Endangered Species Act in August. In an email FAA SpaceX Boca Chica Project representatives stated: "SpaceX conducted a test flight of the Starship/Super Heavy at Boca Chica, TX on April 20, 2023. As a result of that launch, SpaceX completed a mishap investigation with FAA oversight; this investigation analyzed the launch, mishap events, and corrective actions. Before it is authorized to conduct a second Starship/Super Heavy launch, SpaceX must obtain a modified license from the FAA that addresses all safety, environmental, and other regulatory requirements. As part of that license application determination process, the FAA will review new environmental information, including changes related to the launch pad, as well as other proposed vehicle and flight modifications. The FAA will complete a Written Reevaluation (WR) to the 2022 Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) evaluating the new environmental information, including Endangered Species Act consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If the FAA determines through the WR process that the contents of the PEA do not remain valid in light of the changes proposed for Flight 2, additional environmental review will be required. Accordingly, the FAA has not authorized SpaceX’s proposed Flight 2."

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #29 on: September 27, 2023, 12:58:48 am »
Is The FAA Going To Stop SpaceX Starship Development? Starship Launch Date Update!

 What about it!?

‌Starship hot staging ring removed, but why? What happened to this test tank? SpaceX hits another massive milestone, and Varda Space is blocked by the FAA.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXtr-R68AvY

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #30 on: October 19, 2023, 12:57:04 am »
SpaceX battles regulatory process that could hold up Starship test flight for months

Spaceflight Now by Will Robinson-Smith  October 18, 2023

SpaceX leadership is heading to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to lobby for greater efficiency when it comes regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company is hoping to streamline the process of issuing launch licenses for both Starship test flights and more routine Falcon 9 rocket missions.

Ahead of the hearing before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Space and Science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told Spaceflight Now its regulatory approval process for the second Starship test flight could potentially last until the spring of 2024.

In a statement on Tuesday, a FWS spokesperson said their agency received a final biological assessment from the FAA Oct. 5 and FWS has up to 30 days to review it. This came after the FAA sent FWS a letter in August, which requested “reinitiation of Endangered Species Act consultation.”

“Under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, reinitiation of formal consultation is required when a project and its impacts change significantly, the amount of take issued previously is exceeded, we have new information on listed species not previously considered, or a new species is listed,” the spokesperson said. “Reinitiation involving major changes in effects analysis or changes in the [FWS’] biological opinion are addressed fully in a new consultation. For SpaceX reinitiation with FAA, we are considering the operation of a water deluge system.”

That new deluge system was part of a list of 63 corrective actions created as part of the SpaceX-led mishap investigation following the failed launch of the first integrated flight test on April 20, 2023.

More: https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/10/18/spacex-battles-regulatory-process-that-could-hold-up-starship-test-flight-for-months/

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #31 on: October 19, 2023, 01:15:05 am »
SpaceX slams regulatory ‘headwinds’ for holding up Starship, risking US dominance in space

CNN by Jackie Wattles and Kristin Fisher 10/18/2023

A top SpaceX executive is accusing government regulators of stifling the company’s progress on its Starship megarocket — potentially opening the door for China to beat US astronauts back to the moon.

William Gerstenmaier — SpaceX’s vice president for build and reliability who previously served as NASA’s associate administrator for human exploration — delivered the warning Wednesday to the Senate subcommittee on space and science at a hearing on commercial space regulations.

The remarks come as SpaceX is facing an environmental review by the Fish and Wildlife Service and a safety review by the Federal Aviation Administration of plans to launch its massive moon rocket again at the company’s facility in South Texas.

Starship — the rocket and spacecraft system the company is developing in part to land astronauts on the moon for NASA’s Artemis program — exploded after its first test flight in Texas earlier this year.

“It’s a shame when our hardware is ready to fly, and we’re not able to go fly because of regulations or review,” Gerstenmaier said, noting that SpaceX has been ready for a month to launch the next Starship test flight. “Licensing, including environmental (review), often takes longer than rocket development. This should never happen. And it’s only getting worse.”

He also claimed the regulatory delays have “nothing to do with public safety.”

Race to the moon

Gerstenmaier said the discussions about the regulatory environment are critical “in the face of strategic competition from state actors like China.”

“These delays may seem small in the big scheme of things but…. delays in each and every test flight adds up. And eventually we will lose our lead and we will see China land on the moon before we do,” Gerstenmaier said.

The FAA, which was not represented at the hearing, said in a statement Wednesday, “Keeping pace with industry demand is a priority and is important for several reasons, including meeting our national security and civil exploration needs.”

More: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/18/world/spacex-testimony-senate-faa-regulations-scn/index.html

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #32 on: October 19, 2023, 11:44:25 pm »
Starship Delay: Watch SpaceX VP's Chilling Reply to Sen.Cruz at Congress Hearing on Commercial Space

SpaceXtudio

Senator Ted Cruz interviewed William Gerstenmaier, Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability at SpaceX, on the challenges of commercial space activities, including regulatory approval.

Cruz asked Gerstenmaier about the reliability of flight-proven vehicles and hardware. Gerstenmaier said that flight-proven vehicles are more reliable because they have been tested in flight and any problems have been fixed.

Cruz then asked Gerstenmaier about the delays in SpaceX's second Starship launch due to the Fish and Wildlife Service's environmental review. Gerstenmaier said that the delays are a shame because SpaceX's hardware is ready to fly. He said that the pace of test flights should not be governed by regulation.

Cruz then asked Gerstenmaier when the HLS (Human Landing System) will be ready. Gerstenmaier said that it is hard to say because SpaceX needs to fly at the fastest pace and test the new technology. He said that the current pace of regulation is driving the development and that it should not be the case.

Cruz's final question was if the delays would be acceptable if Gerstenmaier was still at NASA. Gerstenmaier said that schedule delays like this would not be acceptable at NASA.

The conversation highlights the challenges that commercial space companies face in obtaining regulatory approval. It also shows the importance of flight testing in developing new technologies.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGf5NFxotaU&t=0s


Starship Flight #2 May Never Happen This Year | Latest Updates on Starship Testing and FAA License

SpaceXtudio


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRCImOTG2Oc


Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #33 on: October 27, 2023, 05:29:43 pm »
Review of SpaceX Starship’s Water Deluge System Critical to Next Launch

An environmental review of Starship's water deluge system marks one of the final steps before tests of Elon Musk's big rocket can resume.


In the wake of an explosive debut in April, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting a review of SpaceX’s Starship launch system upgrades, focusing primarily on the new water deluge system and its potential environmental impacts at the south Texas launch site.

SpaceX’s Starship, an integral part of Elon Musk’s ambitious space plans, has been ready for its second test flight for over a month, as company officials told the U.S. Subcommittee on Space and Science earlier this month. Ground teams even performed a full wet dress rehearsal earlier this week, despite the absence of a scheduled launch date. The megarocket is currently grounded, awaiting the completion of the launch licensing process.

A newly initiated FWS review represents one of the final regulatory hurdles SpaceX must clear before it can proceed with its flight plans. This review formally began on October 19 in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration, according to an emailed FWS statement. The service needs to look at the potential environmental impacts and threats to endangered species in the sensitive Boca Chica region as a consequence of recent upgrades at SpaceX’s south Texas Starbase, particularly the newly installed water deluge system.

More: https://gizmodo.com/spacex-starship-environmental-review-water-deluge-1850966405

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #34 on: November 11, 2023, 01:29:30 am »
LabPadre Space
@LabPadre
·
Super Heavy battles the disturbance in the force as the wait continues. #SpaceX #Starbase #Starship


Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #35 on: November 11, 2023, 12:39:34 pm »
Elon Musk
@elonmusk
·
Assuming regulatory approval

Starship preparing to launch as early as November 17, pending final regulatory approval → http://spacex.com/launches


https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1723158118706839819

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #36 on: November 12, 2023, 01:59:01 am »
LIVE! Starship IFT-2 Countdown + Updates

The Launch Pad

LIVE! Starship IFT-2 Countdown Status Board
#SpaceX #Starship #StarshipIFT2 

SpaceX is targeting NET (No Earlier Than) November 13th for launch of Starship IFT-2
Stay tuned for the latest updates as we continue to countdown to the 2nd launch of Starship!

Vehicle Status is STACKED!
« Last Edit: November 16, 2023, 11:46:17 am by Elderberry »

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #37 on: November 16, 2023, 12:59:14 am »
SpaceX receives launch license for second integrated flight test of Starship

NASA Spaceflight by Adrian Beil November 15, 2023

SpaceX has received the modified license No. VOL 23-129 Rev. 1, which will allow them to fly its Starship-Super Heavy vehicle for the second time. This came shortly after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) confirmed the completion of their investigation into the new deluge system at the orbital launch site in Starbase.

FWS environmental investigation

On Oct. 19, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiated an Endangered Species Act consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During this investigation, the agency had 135 days to issue an amended biological opinion. From day one, the FWS did communicate that it did not expect to take the full 135 days to complete the investigation.

The investigation was started based on Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, which mandates the FWS to review a project should the impact of the project on the environment significantly change or if the amount of change the previously issued license allowed is exceeded.

In SpaceX’s case, this consultation was triggered because of a significant modification to the launch infrastructure at Starbase with the implementation of a new deluge system at the orbital launch pad. Since the deluge system produced so much water that would be released into the surrounding environments and ecosystems, the FWS deemed the investigation necessary.

During the period, FWS workers were spotted multiple times at Starbase investigating the areas surrounding the orbital launch pad. After concluding the investigation, the FWS submitted the Final Biological and Conference Opinion (BCO) addendum on Nov. 17. The report addresses the impacted environmental baseline and consequences for SpaceX in the future.

The conclusion of the investigation mentions that deluge systems are a widely used system of rocket launch pads around the world and also that the use of the deluge system will help mitigate the impacts of Starship-Super Heavy operations on surrounding environments by reducing sound and vibrations created during liftoff and by assisting in cooling and fire suppression.

More: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/11/ift2-launch-license/

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #38 on: November 16, 2023, 01:05:30 am »
SpaceX Just Revealed What Second Starship Launch Going to be like!

Space Trends   

The journey of SpaceX's Starship prototype has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, captivating the attention of space enthusiasts and industry experts alike. The first complete Starship prototype took to the skies more than half a year ago. This event, although a relatively short wait in the grand scheme of rocket development, has felt like an eternity for those eagerly following its progress. The anticipation was partly due to the sheer size and ambition of the Starship project and the mixed performances of previous prototypes, such as the S24 and B7. These earlier versions, while crucial in their developmental role, did not fully meet the high expectations set for them.

This incident on 20th April, while a setback, provided SpaceX with valuable data to refine and improve the design. In the months following, SpaceX dedicated itself to significant enhancements and upgrades to the Starship system. This dedication to continuous improvement and learning from past experiences has set the stage for the next big leap - the anticipated second launch.

This upcoming launch has generated a buzz of excitement and optimism. The anticipation is further fueled by Musk's own confidence in the project. Musk has given a concrete percentage prediction on the likelihood of the Starship completing a full orbital flight successfully. Before we go further, please remember to subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Starship and SpaceX's other key missions.

The liftoff of this next Starship's orbital test flight is poised to be its most impressive and memorable moment. This anticipation builds on the public attention garnered by the first launch, which, despite ending in an explosion and not achieving its goal of orbiting the Earth, became one of the most publicized moments in rocket history.

Even when compared to legendary rockets of the past, such as the Saturn V used in the Apollo missions, the Space Shuttle, or Russia's Soyuz rockets, the Starship's first launch captured public attention like few others. Some might argue that in the era of those rockets, there was no internet, making information less accessible, and while this is true, it's not the only reason for Starship's immense publicity on its April 20 launch.

Remember, this rocket is the largest ever built on Earth. It stands significantly taller and is more powerful than the legendary Saturn V, which was previously the benchmark for rocket size and capability. The sheer scale of Starship, its ambitious goals for Mars colonization and beyond, and its potential to change the future of space travel have all contributed to the intense public interest and media coverage.

Moreover, the approach SpaceX has taken in developing Starship, with transparent testing, public live streams, and frequent updates from Musk himself, has also played a key role in garnering such attention. This level of public engagement and openness is unprecedented in the history of space exploration.

Hopefully, on November 17, in line with SpaceX's recent tweet stating, 'Starship preparing to launch as early as November 17, pending final regulatory approval,' the powerful engines will lift the world's largest rocket into orbit, creating a moment of high emotion and a landmark event in space exploration. However, the lift off is just a small part of the entire flight, which includes many important steps before and after liftoff. The upcoming Starship flight faces many new challenges because SpaceX has made more than 1,000 changes to the rocket since its first test in April. Musk mentioned that these numerous updates, made after the rocket didn't reach orbit in its initial launch, are crucial for improving its performance for this flight.

Before SpaceX's Starship lifts off, a detailed and critical process begins approximately two hours prior to launch, extending until about T minus 20 minutes. This process includes poll verification, where the SpaceX launch team conducts final checks to ensure all systems are ready for fueling and launch. Every team member confirms their respective systems are ready for the operation.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9T8cST6jVI

Offline Cyber Liberty

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #39 on: November 16, 2023, 02:41:49 am »
@Elderberry Thanks for keeping the Space threads up to date!
For unvaccinated, we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death — if you’re unvaccinated — for themselves, their families, and the hospitals they’ll soon overwhelm. Sloe Joe Biteme 12/16
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Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #40 on: November 16, 2023, 06:43:17 pm »
Chris Bergin - NSF
@NASASpaceflight

Starship isn't launching Friday. SpaceX pushed their livestream start time on X to Saturday.

Mary
@BocaChicaGal

Can confirm that village evacuation for today has been cancelled.

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #41 on: November 16, 2023, 07:33:08 pm »

Offline Weird Tolkienish Figure

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #42 on: November 16, 2023, 07:34:18 pm »
Read somewhere else this is the largest rocket ever launched... true?

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #43 on: November 16, 2023, 07:52:39 pm »
Read somewhere else this is the largest rocket ever launched... true?

Quote
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Starship

 It is the tallest and most powerful space launch vehicle to have flown.


Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #44 on: November 17, 2023, 01:18:07 am »
Elon Musk
@elonmusk

We need to replace a grid fin actuator, so launch is postponed to Saturday

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #45 on: November 17, 2023, 02:36:05 pm »
Starship will only have a 20-minute launch window after a one-day delay

Space Explored by Seth Kurkowski Nov 16 2023

Thursday, SpaceX CEO and chief engineer Elon Musk, shared that the Starship rocket would not be flying on Friday but will be getting a fresh actuator in its Super Heavy booster. The need to replace this part will slide the launch back one day to Saturday and drop the two hour window to only 20 minutes.

No that is not a typo

You read that right, Saturday’s Starship launch attempt window will only be 20 minutes long, giving SpaceX not a lot of time to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

This will require SpaceX to have a rather flawless countdown. Which is more likely this time than during the first launch back in April as teams have undergone numerous dress rehearsals in recent weeks.

What about further delays?

If SpaceX can’t get Starship off the pad one way or another Saturday, the company has a backup date on Sunday. Most likely SpaceX will have a window to launch daily if needed. At least until the end of next week where it gets murky with Thanksgiving and SpaceX may or may not have the ability to close the road.

From the TFR SpaceX was given by the FAA, the times line up that Sunday’s backup launch window will be 120 minutes. Giving the company much more time to problem solve anything that shows up in a rocket this early in development.

Now all this is assuming that what reasons SpaceX has to delay is something the company can resolve in 24 hours. Some issues might need more than a day to clear or weather could delay launches for multiple days.

More: https://spaceexplored.com/2023/11/16/starship-will-only-have-a-20-minute-launch-window-after-a-one-day-delay/

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #46 on: November 17, 2023, 06:20:10 pm »
Here’s why SpaceX really needed to change out that part on Starship

ars Technica by Eric Berger - 11/17/2023

Grid fins have been essential to the landing of 230 rockets.

SpaceX's Starship rocket did not launch on Friday morning from South Texas as intended because the company had to replace the actuator on a grid fin. The rocket is now being prepared for a launch during a tight window on Saturday morning, from 7 to 7:20 am local time.

Here's an explanation of why grid fins are so important to the rocket's flight—or, more precisely, its landing.

A little Falcon 9 history

The better part of a decade ago, SpaceX maneuvered an autonomous drone ship into the Atlantic Ocean for the first time with the intent of catching a falling rocket.

During the pre-dawn hours of January 10, 2015, a Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida successfully lofted its fifth cargo mission toward the International Space Station for NASA. Then, for the engineers at the launch company, the fun really began as they watched the first stage reenter Earth's atmosphere.

SpaceX had been attempting to land its rockets vertically in flight since 2013 and over the course of eight missions had gathered data about how best to orient the first stage during its reentry, when to fire its engines to slow the vehicle down, and how to steer it toward a desired location on the ground.

Finally, by flight 14 of the rocket, they felt like they had put it all together. At least to the point where they could credibly make an attempt to land on a barge, recently christened Just Read the Instructions.

One critical change had been the addition of four "grid fins," each measuring about 5 feet long (1.5 meters) and 4 feet wide (1.2 meters). These allowed for much better steering of the vehicle through the atmosphere in place of small thrusters. The grid fins, originally developed by the Soviet Union half a century earlier as control surfaces for intercontinental ballistic missiles, could be rotated up to 20 degrees and worked well on the big rocket.

More: https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/11/heres-why-spacex-really-needed-to-change-out-that-part-on-starship/


Offline Cyber Liberty

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #47 on: November 17, 2023, 06:29:20 pm »
Sunday seems more likely because of Saturday's tight launch window.  Since it's a test flight of a Booster, I am not sure why there even IS a window....will this be an orbital flight?
For unvaccinated, we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death — if you’re unvaccinated — for themselves, their families, and the hospitals they’ll soon overwhelm. Sloe Joe Biteme 12/16
I will NOT comply.
 
Castillo del Cyber Autonomous Zone ~~~~~>                          :dontfeed:

Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #48 on: November 17, 2023, 07:31:09 pm »
Sunday seems more likely because of Saturday's tight launch window.  Since it's a test flight of a Booster, I am not sure why there even IS a window....will this be an orbital flight?

SubOrbital flight.


Offline Elderberry

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Re: SpaceX Starship OFT-2
« Reply #49 on: November 18, 2023, 11:15:16 am »
Spacex

UPCOMING LAUNCH

Starship's Second Flight Test


https://www.spacex.com/
« Last Edit: November 18, 2023, 11:16:08 am by Elderberry »