Jump to content
Join the Unexplained Mysteries community today! It's free and setting up an account only takes a moment.
- Sign In or Create Account -

SpaceX to Attempt Second Test Flight of World's Largest Rocket [updated - launched]


Waspie_Dwarf

Recommended Posts

SpaceX to Attempt Second Test Flight of World's Largest Rocket

Related stories:

 

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hope they succeed this time.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, and-then said:

I hope they succeed this time.

That all depends on what you define as a success.

The way SpaceX works, through iterative improvements, means that they do not have to achieve their final goal in order to consider the test a success. The build a system, test it, and see if it works. If it doesn't work then they fix the problem and re-test. They continue this process until they have a working system. This differs from the traditional way that the aerospace industry works, which it that the vehicle has to work first time.

The booster, on the first test, lost a lot of engines. This was mostly as a result of damage caused by flying concrete as the immense poser of the Super Heavy damaged the launch pad.

The Starship failed to separate from the Super Heavy. This was due to damage to the hydraulics, again caused by the launch pad.

The flight termination system (FTS) failed to destroy the vehicle in a timely manner.

SpaceX have made major modifications to the launch pad and the way in which stage separation occurs. If these modifications work, even if the Starship doesn't reach orbit, SpaceX will probably consider the launch a success. I also suspect that they will be very happy not to have to test the modifications to the FTS.

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to SpaceX to Attempt Second Test Flight of World's Largest Rocket [updated - launch delay]

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first stage exploded shortly after separation. 

Contact with the second stage was lost shortly before it was due to reach orbit.

  • Sad 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

One step at a time. Another valuable learning experience. It's a fascinating process, watching a new system being developed, full of successes and setbacks, with knowledge accrued. 

Edited by Hammerclaw
  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, Hammerclaw said:

One step at a time. Another valuable learning experience. It's a fascinating process, watching a new system being developed, full of successes and setbacks, with knowledge accrued. 

SpaceX will be more than happy. Not all the goals were achieved but the improvements made after the 1st launch seemed to have worked (including the flight termination sequence).

The next booster and Starship have already been built so as soon as SpaceX understand what caused the failures they will be ready to try again. FAA approval should be more straightforward for the next attempt. 

  • Thanks 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's reminiscent of the space program in the '60s with the single-minded purpose of a Manhattan Project to achieve it's goal.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to SpaceX to Attempt Second Test Flight of World's Largest Rocket [updated - launched]

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.