Time: 2024-07-17
Super Heavy booster , Booster 12 , has been rolled out and underwent a successful static fire test at SpaceX 's South Texas launch site . This test is crucial for the upcoming Starship Flight 5 , which is expected to be the most ambitious yet . The booster , standing at 233 feet , was secured to the launchpad and its 33 Raptor engines fired at full thrust for about 20 seconds during the test.
The Starship spacecraft has been contracted by NASA for the Artemis 3 mission and is also envisioned by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk as a vehicle capable of carrying humans to Mars . Starship 's upcoming fifth integrated flight test aims to build upon the success of its previous missions , where both the rocket and the booster returned as planned for controlled ocean splashdowns.
Booster 12 's testing included a partial propellant load , a 33 - engine spin prime test , and a successful static fire on July 15 . The booster is equipped with upgrades , including a new flight termination system box and Starlink antenna fittings , to ensure its readiness for Flight 5 . SpaceX aims to achieve rapid refurbishment of the booster by having it return straight back to the launchpad after landing.
Preparations for Starship Flight 5 have been accelerated following Hurricane Beryl 's passage in the Brownsville area with minimal impact on the Starbase facilities . Booster 12 's rollout and successful testing mark significant progress in readiness for the upcoming mission . Additionally , stacking is underway for a second launch tower at Pad B , enhancing Starship 's launch cadence potential to 25 flights per year.
The Orbital Launch Site 's Pad B has received its base and initial tower segments , incorporating lessons learned from Pad A 's construction . The increased launch cadence proposal from SpaceX aims to elevate Starship 's capabilities with up to 25 system launches and landings per year . Public meetings regarding the environmental assessment for the proposed cadence increase are scheduled for August 13 , 15 , and 20 , 2024.
The Starfactory continues to be equipped with essential tools , such as a gantry crane , as it nears completion . Work on upgrading the tank farm at the Orbital Launch Site is progressing , while Ship 30 's heat shield tiles are being enhanced in the High Bay . Ship 33 , the first Block 2 vehicle , has a visible nose section at Starbase , signaling advancements toward operational flights.
As SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 5 , the company is already envisioning the next version of Starship for flights in 2025 . Booster 12 's test results will play a crucial role in determining the flight timeline , alongside other factors such as heat shield upgrades and regulatory approvals . SpaceX 's commitment to advancing space exploration technologies remains evident in their continuous efforts to push the boundaries of space travel.
Business
