Update of Texas Starship prototype construction
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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.
Readers!
For many reasons, mostly political but partly ethical, I do not use Google, Facebook, Twitter. They practice corrupt business policies, while targeting conservative websites for censoring, facts repeatedly confirmed by news stories and by my sense that Facebook has taken action to prevent my readers from recommending Behind the Black to their friends.
Thus, I must have your direct support to keep this webpage alive. Not only does the money pay the bills, it gives me the freedom to speak honestly about science and culture, instead of being forced to write it as others demand.
For many reasons, mostly political but partly ethical, I do not use Google, Facebook, Twitter. They practice corrupt business policies, while targeting conservative websites for censoring, facts repeatedly confirmed by news stories and by my sense that Facebook has taken action to prevent my readers from recommending Behind the Black to their friends.
Thus, I must have your direct support to keep this webpage alive. Not only does the money pay the bills, it gives me the freedom to speak honestly about science and culture, instead of being forced to write it as others demand.
Please consider donating by giving either a one-time contribution or a regular subscription, as outlined in the tip jar below.
Regular readers can support Behind The Black with a contribution via paypal:
If Paypal doesn'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
You can also support me by buying one of my books, as noted in the boxes interspersed throughout the webpage. And if you buy the books through the ebookit links, I get a larger cut and I get it sooner.
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.
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.