Posted on 07/16/2020 11:44:45 AM PDT by BenLurkin
A gap of over two weeks between the cryogenic proof test and a static fire of SN5 was longer than expected – based on how quickly SN4 moved into engine testing. Two primary factors are the cause of this gap.
The first is that numerous upgrades to the ground support equipment have been made since Starship SN4 exploded at the launch pad. Thus, it has taken time to work out all of the kinks.
The second and largest reason is that unlike Starship SN4, SN5 is being prepped for a flight test right out of the gate. SpaceX does not plan to perform an extended ground test campaign with SN5 after beginning Raptor engine testing.
It is understood that one good static fire test could be enough to clear the way for a 150-meter hop test. Furthermore, only a few days may be required to prepare SN5 for the flight test following a successful static fire test. If a static fire occurs this weekend, this will put the earliest possible hop date in the first half of next week.
It should also be noted, however, that Starship testing schedules and plans are extremely fluid. Plans may change, and multiple static fires or other ground tests will be conducted before the hop.
Starship SN5’s flight will be similar in profile to Starhopper’s final flight which targeted 150-meters in altitude. SN5 will also land on the same landing pad which is located adjacent to the launch pad.
However, Starship SN5 will also have to deploy landing legs. The vehicle has six landing legs located inside of its thrust section. Starhopper on the other hand had three landing legs that were permanently fixed to the exterior of the vehicle.
(Excerpt) Read more at nasaspaceflight.com ...
SpaceX’s adventures are definitely one of the bright spots in our nation right now. Their rapid iteration with Starship: build, RUD, build, success, repeat - is fascinating to watch.
Is this for landing on Mars?
Starship? Getting a little too trekkie I think.
*ping*
I vote that Gates be the first passenger, along with Hillary and Soros.
Now there’s three to draw to.
Yeah but Enterprise also predated Star Trek. Maybe I’m wrong but I thought the term starship was meant for interstellar travel. Anyways its a minor nit to pick for me. :)
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