Update of Texas Starship prototype construction
Link here. The article is mostly what I would call “in the weeds,” mostly of interest to engineering geeks. Nonetheless, the progress described suggests that they are working hard to meet Musk’s proposed schedule of first test flight by October, and even have a small chance of doing it.
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Link here. The article is mostly what I would call “in the weeds,” mostly of interest to engineering geeks. Nonetheless, the progress described suggests that they are working hard to meet Musk’s proposed schedule of first test flight by October, and even have a small chance of doing it.
I must unfortunately ask you for your financial support because I do not depend on ads and rely entirely on the generosity of readers to keep Behind the Black running. You can either make a one time donation for whatever amount you wish, or you sign up for a monthly subscription ranging from $2 to $15 through Paypal or $3 to $50 through Patreon.
Your support will allow me to continue covering science and culture as I have for the past twenty years, independent and free from any outside influence.
Your support is even more essential to me because I not only keep this site free from advertisements, I do not use the corrupt social media companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook to promote my work. I depend wholly on the direct support of my readers.
You can provide that support to Behind The Black with a contribution via Patreon or PayPal. To use Patreon, go to my website there and pick one of five monthly subscription amounts, or by making a one-time donation. For PayPal click one of the following buttons:
If Patreon or Paypal don't work for you, you can support Behind The Black directly by sending your donation by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman, to
Behind The Black
c/o Robert Zimmerman
P.O.Box 1262
Cortaro, AZ 85652
Or you can donate by using Zelle through your bank. You will need to give my name and email address (found at the bottom of the "About" page). The best part of this electronic option is that no fees will be deducted! What you donate will be what I receive.
What is with the stainless steel panel construction?
Its very annoying to me, what is the purpose?
Musk is saying that cryoformed Stainless Steel, has better heat performance, and with only minor heat shielding on the leeward (into the wind) side no other thermal protection will be needed. (Cryoformed is meant that the metal is processed at cryogenic temps while being shaped and somehow makes it more temp resistant).
They tested hexagon tiles on the Starhopper, and other tiles on the last CRS mission.
Demonstrably the SS construction is WAY simpler/cheaper than Carbon Fiber. (Demonstrated by the fact, vehicle #3 is approach completion in under 8 months (Starhopper in Tx, Mk1 in Tx, Mk2 in FL).
It is freaky, and cool and amazing to watch. Will it work? Sure hope so. Good news is they plan to test it…
Thank you.
It still annoys the hell out of me.
Annoying it may be.
Quick to build however it is.
Orbit we go.
Is that a haiku?
Syllables I cannot
Count with accuracy.