Flight 3 Nears as Solo Vehicle Testing Concludes

Preparations for the third flight of SpaceX’s Starship are progressing smoothly, as both the booster and the ship have completed their solo test campaigns. Booster 10 recently returned to the Shipyard for final modifications and checkouts before its upcoming flight. Ship 28 followed closely behind and both vehicles are now in their respective bays for final work before heading back to the launch site for integrated stack testing and launch.

Booster 10 is undergoing final preparations after encountering an issue during a static fire attempt on December 21, 2023. SpaceX had to use the emergency dump procedure to slowly release the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) overboard using the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) vent. However, on December 29, 2023, Booster 10 successfully completed a 33-engine static fire. Unlike Booster 9, SpaceX did not perform a spin prime test before the static fire, indicating that they may have gained enough confidence in the engines and installation process. This could be attributed to the new engine install stands, which simplify and enhance the engine installation and shielding process.

During the 33-engine static fire, SpaceX demonstrated how quickly they could load the booster with propellant and detank it. With its LOX tank fully filled in about 40 minutes, and detailed and safed only around 90 minutes after the static fire, Booster 10 showcased the efficiency of the new pumps and subcoolers implemented after Flight 2. This means that for a full stack, SpaceX could potentially reduce the propellant load time from 97 minutes to around 50 minutes. That is a significant improvement and brings the propellant load time close to that of Falcon Heavy.

Ship 28 has also completed its engine testing, with two successful static fires. The first was a full six-engine test on December 20, 2023, while the second was a single-engine static fire on December 29, 2023. Interestingly, both static fires took place on the same day as Booster 10’s 33-engine static fire, indicating a coordinated testing effort. The second static fire was described as a flight-like startup, which suggests that SpaceX may be simulating a deorbit burn or testing different trajectories for future missions.

Ship 28 has returned to the Shipyard for further pre-flight work. Some of the tasks that still need to be completed include the removal of crane hooks, repairs to the aft starboard flap’s heat shield, and the removal of lockouts for the door and stiffener rings for the Raptor Vacuum engines. Additionally, the installation of the SpaceX logo and Ship 28 decals is still pending.

Regarding the mishap investigation into Flight 2 anomalies, no updates have been provided by either SpaceX or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is expected that more information will be released in the coming weeks. Compared to the previous investigation, this process is anticipated to be faster as it only requires a safety review and mishap investigation, rather than an environmental review.

Looking ahead, Ship 29 has been brought to the Ship Bay for engine installation. If there are no delays with Flight 3, Ship 29 could soon undergo static testing. Similar to Booster 10, SpaceX may decide to skip a spin prime test for this vehicle as well. Booster 11, located in the Booster Bay since November 19, 2023, has made progress with engine shielding installation and may already have engines installed. Depending on the objectives of Flight 3, Ship 29 could potentially be launched into orbit.

In preparation for future flights, Ship 30 and Booster 12 have undergone cryo-proof testing and structural load testing using thrust ram test stands at Masseys. Ship 30 successfully completed a full cryo-proof on January 3, 2024. Based on previous timelines, this pair could be ready for flight between May and July.

Additionally, work on Flight 6 and 7 vehicles has commenced. Ship 31 is undergoing assembly in the high bay, while Booster 13’s LOX tank is partially assembled and the Methane tank is located in the Ring Yard. Ship 32 has been moved to the back right corner of the High Bay to complete assembly, and Booster 14 has yet to be started, with pieces of the LOX tank in the Ring Yard. It remains uncertain whether these pairs will fly or if they will be used for testing the new revision of Starship.

Significant progress has been made in the Shipyard, with the completion of major work on the new Ship Bay. The Shipyard LR11000 crane is being dismantled, indicating that construction is close to completion. Tent 3 may be taken down in the near future to allow for the final piece of Starfactory to be constructed.

Ultimately, the successful completion of Flight 3 will play an important role in determining the timeline for future Starship flights. If investigation and corrective action implementation proceed smoothly, Flight 3 could potentially launch by the end of January or early February. However, mid-February appears to be a more likely timeframe. SpaceX and the FAA will closely monitor the progress to ensure that the vehicles and launch pad are flight-ready.

Overall, as preparations for Flight 3 continue, SpaceX’s Starship program is advancing steadily, with successful solo vehicle testing and ongoing work on upcoming flights. The achievements and improvements made during these test campaigns are shaping the future of space travel and exploration. Stay tuned for more updates as SpaceX pushes boundaries and prepares to redefine space travel as we know it.