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Starship Development Thread #51 (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) by threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works to c/spacex@sh.itjust.works
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SpaceX Starship page

FAQ

  1. When is the next Integrated Flight Test (IFT-2)? Booster 9 + Ship 25 launched Saturday, November 18 after slight delay.
  2. What was the result? Successful lift off with minimal pad damage. Successful booster operation with all engines to successful hot stage separation. Booster destroyed after attempted boost-back. Ship fired all engines to near orbital speed then lost. No re-entry attempt.
  3. Did IFT-2 Fail? No. As part of an iterative test programme, many milestones were achieved. Perfection is neither expected nor desired at this stage.
  4. Next launch? IFT-3 expected to be Booster 10, Ship 28 per a recent NSF Roundup. Probably no earlier than Feb 2024. Prerequisite IFT-2 mishap investigation.

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Quick Links

RAPTOR ROOST | LAB CAM | SAPPHIRE CAM | SENTINEL CAM | ROVER CAM | ROVER 2.0 CAM | PLEX CAM | NSF STARBASE

Starship Dev 50 | Starship Dev 49 | Starship Dev 48 | Starship Dev 47

Official Starship Update | r/SpaceX Update Thread

Status

Road Closures

Type Start (CDT) End (CDT) Status
Primary Date 2023-12-08 16:00 2023-12-08 21:00 Possible Closure
Alternative Date 2023-12-11 08:00 2023-12-11 20:00 Possible Closure
Alternative Date 2023-12-12 08:00 2023-12-12 20:00 Possible Closure

Up to date as of 2023-12-08

Vehicle Status

As of 2023-12-08

Follow Ring Watchers on Twitter and Discord for more.

Ship Location Status Comment
Pre-S24, 27 Scrapped or Retired S20 in Rocket Garden, remainder scrapped.
S24 Bottom of sea Destroyed April 20th (IFT-1): Destroyed by flight termination system after successful launch.
S25 Bottom of sea Destroyed Mostly successful launch and stage separation
S26 Rocket Garden Testing Static fire Oct. 20. No fins or heat shield, plus other changes. Completed 3 cryo tests, latest on Oct 10.
S28 High Bay Pending heatshield completion Cryo test on July 28. Raptor install began Aug 17. Completed 2 cryo tests.
S29 High Bay Fully stacked, completed 3x cryo tests, awaiting engine install.
S30 High Bay Under construction Fully stacked
S31 Rocket Garden Fully stacked, awaiting flaps Stacking in progress.
S32 High Bay Under construction Stacking in progress.
S33-34 Build Site Being scrapped To be scrapped in preparation for Starship V2

 

Booster Location Status Comment
Pre-B7 & B8 Scrapped or Retired B4 in Rocket Garden, remainder scrapped.
B7 Bottom of sea Destroyed Destroyed by flight termination system after successful launch.
B9 Bottom of sea Destroyed Successfully launched, destroyed during Boost back attempt.
B10 Rocket garden Engine install? Completed 4 cryo tests. Moved to Massey's on Sep 11, back to Megabay Sep 20.
B11 Megabay Finalizing Completed 2 Cryo tests.
B12 Megabay Finalizing Appears complete, except for raptors, hot stage ring, and cryo testing.
B13 Megabay Stacking Lower half mostly stacked.
B14+ Build Site Assembly Assorted parts spotted through B15.

Resources

Link to IFT-2 Launch Party Thread

top 46 comments
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[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 9 points 7 months ago

The launch pad is good shape:

The fate of S25:

FAA/SpaceX mishap investigation has been triggered. Given that the FTS seems to have worked, and there is minimal damage to the ground infrastructure, I'm hoping that this investigation will be shorter.

Scott Manley investigation report is already completed: Starship & Superheavy Become The Biggest Rocket In Space.... Before Exploding

  • He speculates that B9 engine failure during boostback was due to either fuel slosh, fluid hammer, or a combination of both. It's unclear whether the booster FTS was triggered or whether the Booster RUD happened on its own.
  • For S25, he notes that a puff of gas just after T+7 minutes coincides with a drop in the LOx gauge. This indicates an oxygen leak of some sort, which could have any number of causes.
[-] burble@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 7 months ago

The picture of the nose cone falling is a really good shot!

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 7 months ago

Yeah! Props to astroferg for being in the right place at the right time and managing to get that shot. Definitely a unique angle!

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 8 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-11-27):

Unsourced rumour that a large spherical tank will be moved from Florida to Starbase.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 8 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-11-23):

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-12-02):

Not too much action today:

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-11-29):

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-11-28):

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-12-05):

[-] ludu@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago

Might make sense to post space_rocket_builder's words here as well, given his past record.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 7 months ago

Good idea! I've added it their comment to the 12-06 update.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-12-03):

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-11-21):

IFT-2:

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-11-22):

Elon on next-gen Raptor:

Could make them faster, but engine production is not the limiting factor.

I’m very excited about the next-gen Raptor engine that is robust enough not to require a heat shield. Will also have more thrust, higher Isp and many other improvements.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-11-26):

  • Not much happened today.
  • TPS work on S28 continues.
  • Fog rolled in mid-afternoon, so I guess we should be glad they aren't launching anything like SN11 :)
[-] SpacePace@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago

B9 needing a replacement "grid fin actuator"

Seems launch delayed til Saturday, works out specifically for me!

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Indeed. Source: https://nitter.net/elonmusk/status/1725231694645461403#m

We need to replace a grid fin actuator, so launch is postponed to Saturday

Will replacing the actuator will require another destack, or will they be able to fix it in place?

[-] Sigmatics@lemmy.ca 3 points 7 months ago

Pretty unlikely that they could fix it in a day if it required destack

[-] clothes@lemmy.world 3 points 7 months ago

I thought so too, but they just finished restacking after replacing several actuators. They're really good at this!

[-] Sigmatics@lemmy.ca 3 points 7 months ago

Yeah, I saw it. I guess my mistake was thinking they would have to transport it back somewhere to make the replacement

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-11-25):

  • Scrapping of SN15 continues.
  • OLM work continues. (lifts go up, lifts go down)
  • Some concrete being torn up by orange digger in the vicinity of the OLM. (~11:00 CST on Starbase Live)

Elon on SSTO: Yeah, wrong planet for SSTO. No problem on Mars with ~37% Earth gravity.

[-] ludu@sh.itjust.works 9 points 7 months ago

Thanks for the daily updates, much appreciated.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago

You're welcome! Glad to know they are appreciated!

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-11-24):

New CSI Starbase video: Superheavy’s Massive Fire Suppression System Dramatically Increases Performance

Ringwatchers article: What Changed on Starship 25 & Booster 9?

Elon tweets:

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 7 points 8 months ago

This thread maybe, next thread definitely!

Busy day at Starbase yesterday:

  • Inspections of OLM, B9, and S25 continue
  • Net was removed from beneath OLM
  • Chopsticks raised to lifting position on S25
  • "Dance floor" work platform lowered onto an SPMT and removed from under the OLM
  • SPMT moves the raptor install stand from near hopper to near sub orbital pad A
  • Welding observed on several of the OLM legs

IFT-2 slips to NET November 15th. Road closures for the 13th and 14th have been cancelled, and the Mexican NOTMAR has been updated.

Dear Moon officially slips to NET 2024 :)

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

The past day’s Starbase activities (2023-11-13):

  • Poor weather continues :)

Other Starship related stuff:

  • The CEO reported that regulatory approval "should happen in time for a Friday launch". He does not specify which Friday :)
  • IFT-2 is now reflected on the FAA ATC Current Operations Plan Advisory (permalink). This is not the launch license, but it may indicate that one is on the way.
  • November 15th's road closure was revoked, but a road closure was posted for November 17th, with the 18th and 19th listed as alternate dates.
  • Ringwatchers posted an interesting analysis of SpaceX's recent IFT-2 hype video.
[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

The past day’s Starbase activities (2023-11-11):

  • LR11000 crane raised back up.
  • S25 was destacked from B9 (again).
  • LR11000 raises lifting jig up to the top of B9 in preparation for hot stage ring removal.
  • Wind and rain continue :)
[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 6 points 7 months ago

The past day’s Starbase activities (2023-11-14):

IFT-2 news:

  • A temporary flight restriction (TFR) was posted for November 17th, "From the surface up to Unlimited".
  • Still no launch license yet, but all signs point to November 17th as the current target date.
[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 6 points 7 months ago

Launch license received!

S25 is being stacked back on B9! NSF are live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB_FzncBgq0

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-11-30):

  • No new cryo tank deliveries. The 26-axle SPMT is taking a break.
  • S33 aft section was scrapped a few days ago. With S32 being the last V1 Starship, it is expected that all components of S33+ will be scrapped in preparation for Starship V2.
  • "Gateway to mars" sign was completed. (timelapse video)
  • Installation of top windows for Megabay 2 has begun
  • TPS work on S28 continues
  • OLM work continues
  • Chopstick work continues

McGregor:

Bonus:

  • Tesla finally released the footage of the drone collision with an R-Vac a while back. (timestamp 1:37)
[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-12-01):

Rumour is that IFT-3 (B10, S28) is NET Feb 2024.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Busy couple of days at Starbase!

2023-11-16 (Incidentally, the 1 year anniversary of Artemis I):

2023-11-17:

IFT-2:

[-] few@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago

07:00 CT = 13:00 UTC

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-11-19)

IFT-2 aftermath:

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 8 months ago

S25 is being stacked on B9 right now! NSF are live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr1lvg-UyfA

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-11-20):

SpaceX have posted a number of stunning photos and videos from IFT-2:

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Starbase activities (2023-12-04):

Other Starship news:

  • IFT-3 will include an internal cryogenic propellant transfer
[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-12-06):

Other Starship news:

IFT-3 NET 2024 as per u/space_rocket_builder (a claimed/suspected insider) in The Other Place:

Well… expect a launch sometime early 2024. Findings from the last flight have been positive so far so we are expecting a much shorter turnaround time this time but still have a lot of work to do for the next flight.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 7 months ago

Not much happened in the past day (2023-11-12) at Starbase:

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 8 months ago

The past day's Starbase activities:

SpaceX have announced that IFT-2 is now NET November 17th. Still no FAA launch license yet.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 7 months ago

Starbase activities (2023-12-07):

Other Starship news:

  • SpaceX released an IFT-2 recap video. It features a few seconds of onboard footage (from B9) at 0:50 and 1:17. Still no footage from S25.
[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 8 months ago

The past day's Starbase activities:

Still no official announcement of a launch license from the FAA.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

IFT-2 (launch thread):

  • Launched at 07:02 CT.
  • Hot staging worked well, but B9 ~~FTS was triggered~~ experienced a RUD shortly into the boostback burn.
  • S25 continued on a nominal trajectory up until a few seconds before SECO, at which point signal was lost, likely due to FTS being triggered.

Starbase activities:

  • A couple tanker trucks lined up to refuel the tank farm.
  • Workers returned to the pad by 09:00, currently inspecting the launch site and collecting debris.
  • Chopsticks lowered.

Edit: Unclear if B9 FTS was triggered or not.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 7 months ago

The past day’s Starbase activities (2023-11-15):

IFT-2 news:

[-] Decronym@lemmy.decronym.xyz 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:

Fewer Letters More Letters
CST (Boeing) Crew Space Transportation capsules
~ Central Standard Time (UTC-6)
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FTS Flight Termination System
Isp Specific impulse (as explained by Scott Manley on YouTube)
~ Internet Service Provider
N1 Raketa Nositel-1, Soviet super-heavy-lift ("Russian Saturn V")
NET No Earlier Than
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, responsible for US ~~generation~~ monitoring of the climate
NSF NasaSpaceFlight forum
~ National Science Foundation
OLM Orbital Launch Mount
QD Quick-Disconnect
RUD Rapid Unplanned Disassembly
~ Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly
~ Rapid Unintended Disassembly
SECO Second-stage Engine Cut-Off
SPMT Self-Propelled Mobile Transporter
SSTO Single Stage to Orbit
~ Supersynchronous Transfer Orbit
TFR Temporary Flight Restriction
TPS Thermal Protection System for a spacecraft (on the Falcon 9 first stage, the engine "Dance floor")
Jargon Definition
Raptor Methane-fueled rocket engine under development by SpaceX
Starlink SpaceX's world-wide satellite broadband constellation
cryogenic Very low temperature fluid; materials that would be gaseous at room temperature/pressure
~ (In re: rocket fuel) Often synonymous with hydrolox
dancefloor Attachment structure for the Falcon 9 first stage engines, below the tanks
hopper Test article for ground and low-altitude work (eg. Grasshopper)
hydrolox Portmanteau: liquid hydrogen fuel, liquid oxygen oxidizer
iron waffle Compact "waffle-iron" aerodynamic control surface, acts as a wing without needing to be as large; also, "grid fin"

[Thread #16 for this sub, first seen 12th Nov 2023, 05:55] [FAQ] [Full list] [Contact] [Source code]

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 7 months ago

This thread is no longer being updated, and has been replaced by:

Starship Development Thread #52

this post was submitted on 09 Nov 2023
21 points (86.2% liked)

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