Starship Flight 3 Prepared for Full Stacking in Wing Down Roll Testing
SpaceX is making significant progress in preparing for its third flight, with Booster 10 and Ship 28 fully stacked and ready for testing. The rapid pace at which SpaceX completed the assembly of the vehicles, within 56 hours, demonstrates the company’s commitment to increasing its flight cadence for Starship.
Notably, changes have been made to the bottom of the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) tank in response to the failure of Booster 9 during a previous flight. Two sets of new weld lines have been observed, which are believed to be for slosh baffles that prevent the propellant from sloshing around the tank.
In the coming days, three closures are scheduled for a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) on Booster 10 and Ship 28. During a WDR, the vehicle is loaded with propellants but the engines are not ignited. SpaceX has conducted WDRs for its previous flights, and the upcoming tests will include several changes to the tank farm, such as additional subcoolers and pumps.
After completing the WDR tests, the plans for Booster 10 and Ship 28 are unknown. However, it is possible that some changes may be made to the engines, as no stiffener rings were installed on the Raptor vacuum engines during the lift onto Booster 10. These rings are required for ground static fire testing, but they can be reinstalled if necessary.
Despite a temporary destack of Ship 28 from Booster 10 due to damage on the clamps, the vehicles have been restacked and are ready for the WDR test campaign.
In preparation for Flight 3, improvements have been made to the Orbital Launch Pad (OLP) and its surrounding structures. The pad has been cleaned up and finishing touches have been added to protect against erosion and paint new stiffener bars for exposed cryo shells.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has provided an update on the launch modification for Flight 3. The investigation into the mishap during the previous flight is still open, and SpaceX has yet to submit all necessary information for the launch license modification. SpaceX and the FAA are working together to resolve the investigation and ensure a safe return to flight for Starship.
Looking ahead, Booster 11 and Ship 29 are slated for Flight 4, with Booster 11 potentially close to a static fire test. Booster 12 and Ship 30 will be used for Flight 5, and Booster 13 is already fully stacked for Flight 6. The progress of these vehicles indicates that SpaceX is actively working on developing its future flight vehicles and achieving operational status with Starship.
With a full stack for Flight 3 now on the pad, including upcoming WDR tests and an ongoing investigation by the FAA, the launch of Starship Flight 3 is drawing closer. SpaceX’s continued advancements in rocket technology and operational readiness signify exciting progress in the field of space exploration.
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