What Did SpaceX Change & Upgrade For Starship's 3rd Flight Test?
TLDRIn anticipation of SpaceX's third Starship flight test, Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut, outlines significant upgrades to the Booster 10 and Ship 28, including improved propellant loading times, hardware and software changes, and new mission objectives. The test aims to demonstrate crucial technologies for NASA's Artemis Program, such as propellant transfer in space, with the potential to earn SpaceX a $53 million milestone. Despite the test's importance, Dodd emphasizes the iterative nature of the development process, encouraging viewers to watch the launch and share their expectations.
Takeaways
- 🚀 Starship's third full stack flight test is approaching, building on the successes and progress of the first two tests.
- 🔧 Significant upgrades and changes have been made to the hardware, flight profile, and mission for the third flight, using Booster 10 and Ship 28.
- 🌌 The launchpad and stage zero infrastructure have seen major improvements, reducing propellant loading times and enhancing the pad's durability.
- 🔄 SpaceX has implemented 17 upgrades to address issues from the second flight, with ten changes for the ship and seven for the super heavy booster.
- 🛠️ Booster 10 features design tweaks like a return to the previous grid fin design and improved data connections, while software and engine control algorithms have been updated.
- 🚀 Ship 28 has seen substantial upgrades over Ship 25, including a new construction method, electric actuators for thrust vector control, and fire prevention measures.
- 🔥 Changes to the oxygen venting system and heat shield placement on Ship 28 aim to prevent issues that led to the loss of Ship 25.
- 🌐 Ship 28 will feature four Starlink dishes for improved data transmission and potentially stunning space views.
- 🔄 The mission for the third flight will differ from the second, with a shorter trajectory and a planned landing in the Indian Ocean near Australia.
- 🔥 SpaceX plans to attempt a Raptor engine relight in space, either extending or shortening the reentry location, as part of the mission objectives.
- 🚀 A key test will involve transferring propellant in space, a technology demonstration crucial for NASA's Artemis Program's Starship Human Landing System.
Q & A
What is the significance of the third full stack flight test for SpaceX's Starship?
-The third full stack flight test is significant as it represents a major step in the development of Starship. It involves substantial upgrades and changes to the hardware, flight profile, and mission, aiming to address issues identified in previous tests and progress towards achieving the vehicle's ambitious goals.
What improvements have been made to the launchpad and stage zero infrastructure for Starship's third flight?
-The launchpad and stage zero infrastructure have seen significant upgrades. SpaceX can now load LOX and methane more quickly on both the booster and the ship, thanks to additional coolers and pumps. There are also new tanks for additional storage needs, and the pad has received upgrades and heat reinforcement to reduce refurbishment time between flights.
How has the loading time for propellants been reduced in the third flight test?
-The loading time for propellants has been significantly reduced. LOX loading on the booster now takes less than 40 minutes, and methane loading takes 41 minutes, compared to about an hour and 37 minutes previously. For the ship, LOX loading takes 53 minutes, and methane loading takes 51 minutes, down from an hour and 17 minutes.
What changes were made to the booster and ship in response to the second flight's mishap?
-In response to the second flight's mishap, SpaceX listed 17 upgrades to the ship and booster. There are ten upgrades for the ship and seven for the super heavy booster, addressing issues that arose during the second flight test.
What are some of the notable hardware changes on Booster 10 compared to Booster 9?
-Notable hardware changes on Booster 10 include a return to the grid fin design from prior vehicles, upgrades to the Starling terminals for improved data connections, a slightly different common dome design, a small tweak to the stability mount used during lifting, and potential changes to filtration and slosh baffles in the booster.
What upgrades does Ship 28 have over its predecessor, Ship 25?
-Ship 28 has several upgrades over Ship 25. It started life with a different construction order, attaching to the crane to reduce rigging time. It also upgraded to Raptors with electric actuators for its thrust vector control system, replacing the older hydraulic ones. This change tidies up the engine compartment and reduces fire risk. Additionally, Ship 28 has many tweaks to prevent fire, changes to the oxygen vents, and an operable payload door.
What is the purpose of the operable payload door on Ship 28?
-The operable payload door on Ship 28 is a significant change, allowing for more flexibility in mission operations. Although the door will not be used to deploy payloads in the suborbital test, it is a step towards demonstrating the capability for future missions, potentially including the deployment of payloads like Starlink satellites.
What is the significance of the planned propellant transfer test in space during the third flight test?
-The propellant transfer test in space is a critical demonstration of technology for NASA's 'Tipping Point' contract. It is part of the Artemis Program's Starship Human Landing System milestone. Successfully completing this test is worth $53 million and shows the capability to transfer cryogenic propellant, which is essential for deep space missions.
What changes are expected in the mission profile for the third flight test compared to the second?
-The mission profile for the third flight test includes several changes. The ship is expected to open its payload bay more than three minutes after engine shutdown, attempt a raptor engine relight in space, and land in the Indian Ocean near Australia instead of the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. The reentry corridor is also larger, possibly to accommodate the raptor relight test.
What are Tim Dodd's expectations for the third flight test of Starship?
-Tim Dodd hopes that the booster will safely return and perform a landing burn for a soft water landing. He also hopes that the ship will complete its main burn and demonstrate relight door operations and propellant transfer. While he is optimistic about the booster's performance, he is more cautious about the ship surviving reentry, acknowledging that this is still a test flight with potential for failure.
Outlines
🚀 Starship's Third Flight Test Upgrades and Launchpad Enhancements
The third full stack flight test for Starship is approaching, with significant upgrades and changes to both the hardware and mission profile. The launchpad has seen major improvements, reducing propellant loading times by half and introducing new tanks for additional storage. Booster 10 and Ship 28 have undergone 17 upgrades to address issues from the previous flight, including changes to grid fins, Starling terminals, and the common dome design. The booster's software and engine control algorithms have been updated to better manage the flip maneuver. Ship 28 features a more streamlined design, electric actuators for thrust vector control, and various fire prevention measures. The payload door is now operable, setting the stage for new mission objectives.
🌌 Starship's Suborbital Mission and Propellant Transfer Milestone
The script discusses the changes in Starship's suborbital mission, which includes the possibility of a raptor engine relight in space for a retrograde deorbit burn. The landing target has shifted to the Indian Ocean near Australia, with a larger reentry corridor to accommodate potential test outcomes. The ship is not expected to perform a propulsive flip maneuver due to uncertainty about its survival through reentry. A key highlight is SpaceX's attempt to transfer propellant in space, a demonstration for NASA's 'Tipping Point' contract, which is crucial for the Artemis Program's Starship Human Landing System and carries a $53 million reward. The host, Tim Dodd, expresses his hopes for the mission's success and invites viewers to join the live stream for the launch.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Starship
💡Booster 10
💡Ship 28
💡LOX
💡Propellant
💡Raptor engine
💡Grid fins
💡Super Heavy Booster
💡Propellant transfer
💡Static wicks
💡Suborbital mission
💡Reentry
Highlights
Starship's third full stack flight test is approaching with substantial upgrades and changes.
Launchpad and stage zero infrastructure have seen significant upgrades, reducing propellant loading times.
LOX and methane loading times on the booster have been reduced to under 40 minutes.
LOX and methane loading times on the ship have been reduced to 53 and 51 minutes, respectively.
Additional coolers and pumps have been added for more efficient propellant loading.
The launch pad has been reinforced with heat-resistant materials to reduce refurbishment time.
FAA has approved SpaceX's mishap report, leading to 17 upgrades for the ship and booster.
Booster 10 features a return to the grid fin design from prior vehicles.
Upgrades to the Starling terminals aim to improve data connections.
A new, more rounded common dome design debuts on Booster 10.
Changes to the stability mount and potential adjustments to filtration and slosh baffles in the booster.
Ship 28 has been upgraded with electric actuators for thrust vector control, replacing hydraulic ones.
Ship 28 incorporates numerous changes to prevent fire, a cause of previous failures.
Ship 28 features an operable payload door, a significant change from previous tests.
Starship is targeting a shorter trajectory for its landing in the Indian Ocean near Australia.
SpaceX plans to attempt a Raptor engine relight in space, a first for Starship.
The mission includes a propellant transfer test, crucial for NASA's Artemis Program.
SpaceX aims to demonstrate higher expectations and progress towards achieving Starship's goals.
The test flight is still a significant milestone despite being a test vehicle.
Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut, encourages viewers to join the live stream for the launch.
Transcripts
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