Update on Starship: Flight of prototype #10 possible this week
Link here. Lots of stuff going on, with Starship prototypes 15 through 19 being assembled and waiting n the wings. Crews have also repaved and expanded the landing pad at Boca Chica, and begun assembling the first Super Heavy prototype.
The most significant tidbit to me was this:
One section inside a production tent appears to be undergoing preparations to cover the entire windward side in [thermal patches].
This unnamed section could indicate a vehicle that will be taken to an altitude that would test its heat shield under re-entry conditions. Current [thermal] patches are mostly being tested to see how they perform during the stresses of cryogenic propellant loading and launch and landing vibrations.
It is not known yet to which prototype this section belongs to, but that it is being prepared means that SpaceX is moving relentless towards that first orbital flight.
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Link here. Lots of stuff going on, with Starship prototypes 15 through 19 being assembled and waiting n the wings. Crews have also repaved and expanded the landing pad at Boca Chica, and begun assembling the first Super Heavy prototype.
The most significant tidbit to me was this:
One section inside a production tent appears to be undergoing preparations to cover the entire windward side in [thermal patches].
This unnamed section could indicate a vehicle that will be taken to an altitude that would test its heat shield under re-entry conditions. Current [thermal] patches are mostly being tested to see how they perform during the stresses of cryogenic propellant loading and launch and landing vibrations.
It is not known yet to which prototype this section belongs to, but that it is being prepared means that SpaceX is moving relentless towards that first orbital flight.
Please consider donating to Behind the Black, by giving either a one-time contribution or a regular subscription, as outlined in the tip jar below. 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.
Regular readers can support 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
I just wish he would use landing jets at the ready to save the airframe so a rocket engine failure doesn’t make a mess. SRBs will help SLS leave the pad-and jets will help Starship return-so the failed part won’t be in a pile-helping forensics. Omit the jet pods later once things are perfected.
Starship is a child who needs training wheels to avoid a fall.
Messes do not bother SpaceX. And, given the cost of jet engines, it is likely cheaper just to crash a few cheap prototypes than to go out of the way to save them.