SpaceX accelerates pace for third launch Starship. Elon Musk’s aerospace company has confirmed that it is awaiting approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to complete the project.
However, the wait may not be too long. According to Jessica Jensen, vice president of operations and customer integration at SpaceX, government approval will be forthcoming. in February. Therefore, the next Starship launch could happen same month.
Of course, none of this is set in stone and can change at any time. The head of SpaceX noted that Starship will be ready to fly in Januaryonce engineers have finished applying the necessary “corrective actions” identified after last November’s launch that ended in an explosion.
At this time, the company has not provided details about what caused the second Starship to be destroyed before it reached Earth orbit. Unlike what happened on its first takeoff in April 2023, the spacecraft was able to successfully separate from the super-heavy rocket. But soon after, the booster rocket exploded and moments later the ship was destroyed before it reached its desired altitude.
Since then, SpaceX has been working at high speed to get everything ready for the third launch. In December there were static motor tests both with a starship and with a super-heavy rocket. What is not yet known is the extent of the modifications that had to be implemented.
SpaceX plans to launch third Starship in February
Between the first and second launch of Starship, SpaceX carried out more than 1000 modifications both to the ship of the same name and to the upper stage. Among many is the implementation of the “hot” separation method, which consists of turning on the upper stage engines a few moments before it is disconnected from the Super Heavy rocket.
Elon Musk said at the time that he estimated that the second attempt would have at best a 60% chance of reaching Earth orbit, which ultimately did not happen. At this time, the tycoon has not made a prediction as to whether Starship will reach its goal on the third try. However, despite the fact that the two previous tests ended in complete destruction, the evolution between one and the other was more than obvious. It’s logical to think that expectations of success are higher for takeoff, which could happen in February.
Getting FAA approval is also a challenge. US authorities often identify critical malfunctions, the correction of which is mandatory to obtain a license to fly. Therefore, if SpaceX does not meet all the requirements, approval may be delayed.
It is worth saying that, looking at history, SpaceX will most likely try to launch Starship as soon as it receives the organization’s approval. For example, the FAA issued permission for the second launch on November 16, and Elon Musk’s team planned takeoff for the next day. Although it later had to be postponed to November 18 due to a technical glitch. Of course, it is necessary to take into account weather conditions, which may affect planning.
Similarly, the company is working on a demonstration transfer of cryogenic fuel Starship commissioned by NASA. The technology, still in its early stages of development, will be critical for Artemis missions that use a lunar lander based on SpaceX’s craft. Although it is still unclear whether this test will be part of the third launch, which will take place in February.
Source: Hiper Textual
