Starship’s Third Flight Becomes Imminent Following Extensive Preparations

The highly anticipated Starship Flight 3 is finally set to take off after months of preparations and learning from the issues encountered during Flight 2. This time, Booster 10 and Ship 28, the most advanced pair of vehicles yet, are ready for an integrated test flight of Starship.

Flight 1 was the beginning of SpaceX’s impressive improvements over the past two flights. Booster 7 and Ship 24, though not the best vehicles available at the time, provided valuable ascent data. However, Flight 1 faced a high number of problems, with three engines failing right at liftoff and causing significant damage to the launch pad. The stack didn’t make it far in flight, as more engines cut out due to fires in the engine bay of Booster 7. Despite the issues, Flight 1 served as a learning experience for the program.

Following Flight 1, SpaceX repaired the Orbital Launch Pad (OLP) and implemented upgrades to prevent similar issues. They added a water deluge flame deflector plate to prevent pad damage and improved the fire suppression system for the engine bay. These upgrades played an important role in the success of Flight 2.

Flight 2 featured Ship 25 with Booster 9 and showcased several modifications and upgrades. Ship 25 had an upgraded Flight Termination System (FTS) and strengthened engine shielding. Booster 9 had better engine shielding, improved tank control, upgraded raptors with Electric Thrust Vector Control (TVC), an upgraded fire suppression system, and a hot staging ring. These enhancements allowed Booster 9 to complete its ascent with all 33 engines running. However, an engine explosion during the boost back burn led to the loss of the booster, while Ship 25 almost made it to orbital velocity before experiencing fires and losing communication with the flight computer.

Flight 2 set the stage for Flight 3, which is currently targeted for March 14. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued the necessary license modifications for this flight. It is worth noting that the landing zone has been changed to the Indian Ocean from Hawaii, following an environmental assessment conducted by SpaceX and the FAA. The assessment approved ten launches in the Indian Ocean landing zone.

Weather conditions on March 14 will be closely monitored, as moderate wind shear could potentially delay the launch. The launch windows are set for March 14, 15, and 16, with backup opportunities on Sunday and Monday.

Ship 28 and Booster 10 are ready for Flight 3 after undergoing final checkouts and various structural modifications. Booster 10 features a simpler elliptical dome for its common dome and new large slosh baffles at the bottom of the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Tank. Ship 28 has refined vent changes and additional structural reinforcement. The launch pad has also undergone changes, including the addition of subcoolers, pumps, and detank manifolds for faster propellant loading and detanking.

The launch timeline for Flight 3 shows several key events, including the testing of the payload bay door, a cryogenic fluid transfer test, and an in-space Raptor relight. After these tests, Starship will reenter over the Indian Ocean.

Expectations for Flight 3 are high, with SpaceX aiming to obtain data from all scheduled in-flight tests. The success of the flight relies on Ship 28 reaching reentry and Booster 10 completing its boost back burn without any anomalies or property damage. If all goes well, SpaceX will not be required to perform a mishap investigation.

Looking ahead, Flight 4 is already planned with Ship 29 and Booster 11. Ship 29 has completed a spin prime, while Booster 11 awaits its turn for the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM). The speed at which Flight 4’s test campaign will progress remains to be seen.

In conclusion, after months of preparations and learning from previous flights, Starship Flight 3 is set to fly with the most advanced vehicles yet. SpaceX has made significant upgrades and modifications to enhance performance and mitigate issues encountered in previous flights. All eyes are now on March 14 as the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this highly anticipated test flight.