Comments on: Starship/Superheavy test launch delayed to November 18, 2023

By: Jester Naybor

Jester Naybor — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 01:41:43 +0000

SpaceX is building a working freight/passenger spaceline. Their equipment can’t require science-project kid-glove treatment if that is going to succeed – and it appears they fully understand that.

It’s the difference between Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Emmett L. Brown.

By: pzatchok

pzatchok — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:59:57 +0000

Tom

Space X runs on a real budget with the goal of saving money and not keeping jobs like NASA does.
Granted in many cases this could and often does lead to dangerous situations but Space X seems to be doing a good job at on the job safety.

It also looks like they take the advice to the guys who actually do the physical work instead of always sending their ideas upstairs to engineers who in the end take the credit.

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:22:02 +0000

Is it not amazing that SpaceX can decouple a HUGE, fully stacked orbital class rocket as it sits on a launch pad, replace a large critical component and then re-assemble the ship, test it and have it ready for launch …. all within 24 hours. This level of agility, and the obvious array of capabilities born from it, could never be the result of a modern-era, Government-run program regardless of the amount of money thrown at it. This is Capitalism on parade for the world to see; Capitalism used to realize great big dream.

By: Questioner

Questioner — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:41:34 +0000

Grid Fin Actuator Replaced on Booster 9. Starship is Ready for Flight! | SpaceX Boca Chica

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jjMdsKSzYw&t=1s

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:59:29 +0000

My only problem with an 8AM EST is launch is that by the time SS hopefully splashes down in once piece off of Hawaii, it will be very dark and it would be nice to have some video of how the heat shield etc. held up after re-entry. An 11AM or later launch would solve this problem. In other news, Sx found issues with 2 other actuators making 3 that had to be replaced so far. Fingers crossed for a successful test flight.

By: BillB

BillB — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:43:42 +0000

Robert, there is a new graphic with the hot-staging over at SpaceX.com under IFT-2.

By: Robert Zimmerman

Robert Zimmerman — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 02:58:05 +0000

In reply to Tom Hunter. Tom Hunter: Yes, I am sure that flight plan is out of date, but it was what I had at the moment. If you or anyone spots one more up-to-date, please comment here. I should say that the differences should not be significant, based on what I've read.

By: Tom Hunter

Tom Hunter — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 02:08:30 +0000

And what of warnings for ships and aircraft in the Starship landing area in the North Pacific? Outside FAA’s jurisdiction I assume? In any case I’d expect SpaceX to be pro-active on that one given the downsides (“Starship Crashes on Oil Tanker!”

Also, isn’t the graphic of the flight plan on the other Starship Test #2 a little out of date given the new Hot Sep procedure, or does that not work graphically?

By: Robert Zimmerman

Robert Zimmerman — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:46:01 +0000

In reply to Robert Pratt. I suspect the shortened launch window has mostly to do with range and airways conflicts.

By: Robert Pratt

Robert Pratt — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:05:42 +0000

John, my thoughts exactly!!!

By: John

John — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:50:08 +0000

I wonder what drives the launch window for partial orbits? The Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean will be there in position the whole day.

By: John

John — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:32:28 +0000

Yes, Saturday is better for me too. Thank you.

By: GeorgeC

GeorgeC — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:06:31 +0000

Sat morning, I think I can deal with that!
https://time.gov