Starship Flight 4 begins Wet Dress Rehearsal campaign
## Starship Prepares for Flight 4: Wet Dress Rehearsals and Beyond
SpaceX is gearing up for the next chapter in Starship development with Flight 4, kicking off with a series of critical tests. This includes a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) – a full-stack simulation of launch day, complete with propellant loading and countdown procedures.
The first phase of testing involved a partial load of propellants, successfully completed on May 16th. This paves the way for a full WDR, potentially as early as May 18th. During the WDR, Starship will be loaded with liquid methane and liquid oxygen, mimicking a real launch scenario.
This WDR is particularly significant as it marks a shift in launch pad infrastructure. SpaceX has transitioned to horizontal cryogenic tanks and is preparing to test the new orbital tank farm in a launch configuration.
Once the WDR is complete, Ship 29 will likely be rolled back for further heat shield work, while engineers analyze data and address any potential issues.
Meanwhile, Ship 30, the first orbital-class ship to skip a spin prime test, has completed a six-engine static fire. This signifies a potential streamlining of the testing process, thanks to the new enclosed work stands that prevent debris and improve engine installation accuracy.
With its engine testing complete, Ship 30 will undergo several weeks of heat shield repairs before being moved to the upgraded Orbital Pad B. This signifies the end of Suborbital Pad B, which played an important role in the early development of Starship prototypes.
At the Masseys test site, Ship 26 is undergoing fit checks and cryogenic testing on the new static fire stand, while Ship 31, which suffered an anomaly during its cryogenic proof test, is being inspected for potential damage.
SpaceX is also making significant progress on Orbital Launch Pad B, with pilings installed and sections of the tower being transported to the site. This new pad will further advance Starship development and launch capabilities.
Finally, SpaceX has applied for a revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Starship operations at Launch Complex 39A. This EIS, required due to changes in the Starship program, will allow SpaceX to launch up to 44 Starships per year from the site, alongside continued Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy operations.
With Flight 4 preparations well underway, infrastructure improvements progressing, and environmental assessments in motion, SpaceX is poised for another significant leap forward in its Starship ambitions. The upcoming months will be critical as the company aims to refine its launch processes, expand its launch capabilities, and ultimately pave the way for ambitious space exploration endeavors.
