Startrek
07-09-2023, 03:59 PM
Everything is almost ready for the next integrated flight test of Starship at Starbase Texas with exception of the FAA flight approval which I suspect will be imminent.
Orbital test stand and launch tower have been upgraded and refurbished for this next test which will include the new water deluge system. From what I’ve read they only need 66% thrust to clear the pad and ramp up to 90% thereafter, then 100% after Max Q
If the thrust vector control system on super heavy performs nominally then I reckon this behemoth ( even with the expectation of losing 1 to 3 raptor engines on the way up ) with push Starship to sub orbital altitudes using the newly designed hot staging ring. I’m confident Starship will then achieve orbital velocity.
Getting it back down out of orbit and surviving re entry is a 50/50 ( heat shield tiles have been troublesome in the past during the Shuttle era )
Can’t wait to watch the next test flight, it’s going to be another nail biter
All the best Space X !!
Orbital test stand and launch tower have been upgraded and refurbished for this next test which will include the new water deluge system. From what I’ve read they only need 66% thrust to clear the pad and ramp up to 90% thereafter, then 100% after Max Q
If the thrust vector control system on super heavy performs nominally then I reckon this behemoth ( even with the expectation of losing 1 to 3 raptor engines on the way up ) with push Starship to sub orbital altitudes using the newly designed hot staging ring. I’m confident Starship will then achieve orbital velocity.
Getting it back down out of orbit and surviving re entry is a 50/50 ( heat shield tiles have been troublesome in the past during the Shuttle era )
Can’t wait to watch the next test flight, it’s going to be another nail biter
All the best Space X !!