SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space company, is almost ready to launch its next-generation Starship in the month of May. But before carrying out this launch it is necessary to carry out some static tests, such as starting the engines. The first test of this type was carried out just a month ago, with a small incident at the end, but the second one went perfectly, so the launch plans continue.
A complete ignition test. On April 14, SpaceX performed the static ignition of its upper stage engines. Although the ignition test of the first stage had to end early due to a failure in the ground equipment, in this case all the engines have been able to ignite, demonstrating that this enhanced version of Starship is ready for its first flight.
Why is it necessary? Logically, rocket engines are key and very sensitive parts for their proper functioning. They are one of the factors that most often fail in launches, along with fuel filling systems. Therefore, it is important to test prior to launches. In the static ignition tests, all the engines are turned on to check that there are no anomalies. In the case of version 3 of Starship none have been detected. Everything is on the right track.
A battered version of the previous one. The Starship version 3 measures 124.4 meters, 1.2 meters longer than the previous version. It is much more powerful, thanks to its V3 Raptor engines. For this reason, SpaceX has already announced that it will be capable of carrying loads weighing more than 100 tons to low Earth orbit. Version 2 could only travel with 35 tons on board.
Ready for the Moon? After the success of Artemis II, NASA already has its sights set on Artemis III, which will become the final test for the landing of a new batch of humans on the moon. To do this, the American company needs a rocket to match. Never better said. At the moment, there are two private companies working on it: Blue Origin, with Blue Moon, and SpaceX, with Starship.
Although at first everything was betting that it would be SpaceX that would take the next humans to the Moon, some delays have led to thinking that Blue Moon could overtake them on the right. Therefore, the fact that version 3 of Starship has advanced in this way is good news for Elon Musk’s company. In May we will know if it really lives up to expectations.
Images | SpaceX
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