SpaceX's next Starship prototype is undergoing tests and preparations for launch, while other companies like Rocket Lab and ULA are also making progress in their space endeavors
Questions to inspire discussion
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What tests is SpaceX conducting for the next Starship?
—SpaceX is conducting crucial tests for the next Starship, including a spin Prime test and a static fire of all six engines.
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What progress is Rocket Lab making?
—Rocket Lab has bounced back from setbacks and has resolved a minor issue with their power supply, receiving approval to resume launching.
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What caused the mission failure during a Rocket Lab launch?
—A wiring mistake caused an electrical arc within the power supply, leading to a mission failure during a Rocket Lab launch.
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What update did United Launch Alliance provide on the Vulcan Santa launch?
—United Launcher Alliance provided an update on the Vulcan Santa launch, with the rocket experiencing delays and issues with the Centaur 5 upper stage, pushing the launch into 2024.
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What is Nova developing in relation to SpaceX's approach with Starship?
—Nova is developing a fully reusable rocket similar to SpaceX's approach with Starship, focusing on building and testing prototypes to gather valuable data and iterating rapidly based on their findings.
Key Insights
- 🚀 Ship 28's debut at the launch site was certainly made in style with Christmas lights and decorations, making Starbase a one of a kind place.
- 🛠️ The static fire of all six engines will confirm the rocket's readiness for stacking on a super heavy booster, marking a crucial step in the testing process.
- 🛠️ Protective layer removed from the hold down clamps of the orbital launch deck, signaling that the launch table is nearing full operational readiness.
- 🏗️ The construction of reinforced staging areas at Sanchez is necessary even just for storage purposes, indicating the scale and complexity of SpaceX's operations.
- 🚀 SpaceX's approach with Starship and Nova is focused on building and testing prototypes to gather valuable data, rather than dedicating decades to designing the perfect rocket.
- 🚀 SpaceX's commitment to full reusability and orbital refueling sets them apart in the launch market.
- ⚡ The unique combination of factors that led to the electrical arc in the SpaceX test was almost impossible to foresee, creating perfect conditions for the anomaly.
- 🛠️ Rocket Lab has decided to pressurize the power supply in future missions to prevent rare conditions from occurring, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing potential issues.
#SpaceX #WAI
Clips
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00:00 🚀 SpaceX's Starship prototype, ship 28, arrived at the launch site, underwent spin Prime tests, and is preparing for a static fire of all six engines.
- SpaceX's Starship prototype, ship 28, made a stylish debut at the launch site with unique Christmas decorations on the transporters.
- Ship 28 arrived at the launch site, was placed on pad B, and may have its nose cone attachment points removed after testing.
- On December 16th, SpaceX conducted tests on the Starship, including a spin Prime test to ensure the Raptor engines are functioning correctly.
- SpaceX is conducting crucial tests for the next Starship, skipping the usual cryo test and moving directly to a spin Prime, with the main task remaining being a static fire of all six engines.
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03:45 🚀 SpaceX's next Starship is undergoing tests and assembly, with booster 10 moving to the Launchpad and potential ship engine installations in the near future.
- The static fire may have already happened or is about to, workers are installing new booster quick disconnect hoses and the launch table is nearing full operational readiness 1 month after the last launch.
- Booster 10 is moving to the Launchpad, and there may be developments at the orbital tank farm, including the possible replacement of a damaged water tank.
- Witness renewed activity on booster 13 at the built site, showing more progress than the launch site.
- SpaceX's next Starship is undergoing tests and assembly, with the thrust section and locks tank completed, and the arrival of the white engine installation stand indicating potential ship engine installations in the near future.
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07:21 🚀 SpaceX's upgraded Starship 26 sparks speculation, preparations for third orbital launch integration tower underway, and construction of diaphragm wall for massive structure.
- SpaceX's prototype Starship 26 received an upgrade with steel plates, sparking speculation about its purpose, potential flight, or permanent exhibition at Starbase.
- Preparations are underway for the arrival of the third orbital launch integration tower at Sanchez, with sections being transported to Port Brownsville and the b7.1 test tank being scrapped.
- Workers are constructing a diaphragm wall using bentonite to stabilize the ground for a massive structure, possibly a test stand with a flame trench.
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10:34 🚀 SpaceX is testing the next Starship and viewers are encouraged to subscribe for updates and support the channel, while Nova is developing a fully reusable rocket similar to SpaceX's approach.
- SpaceX is conducting tests for the next Starship and viewers are encouraged to subscribe for updates and support the channel.
- Nova is developing a fully reusable rocket similar to SpaceX's approach with Starship, focusing on building and testing prototypes to gather valuable data and iterating rapidly based on their findings.
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12:49 🚀 SpaceX's next Starship prototype has passed pressure testing and will undergo further testing, while Rocket Lab has recovered from setbacks.
- SpaceX's next Starship prototype has undergone successful pressure testing and is expected to undergo further testing after receiving remaining fluid systems.
- SpaceX is making progress with the next Starship, while Rocket Lab has bounced back from setbacks.
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14:26 🚀 A wiring mistake caused an electrical arc during a launch, leading to a mission failure for capella space payloads.
- During a launch carrying payloads for capella space, a wiring mistake caused an electrical Arc within the power supply, leading to a mission failure.
- An electrical arc occurred due to a unique combination of factors, including gas presence, insulation damage, AC waveform, and near vacuum conditions.
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16:18 🚀 SpaceX's next Starship begins tests, Rocket Lab resolves power supply issue, ULA's Vulcan Santa launch delayed to 2024.
- Rocket Lab had a minor issue with their power supply, but it has been resolved and they have received approval to resume launching.
- United Launcher Alliance provided an update on the Vulcan Santa launch, with the rocket experiencing delays and issues with the Centaur 5 upper stage, pushing the launch into 2024.
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18:40 🚀 New Starship tests are happening, check out the new Full scent shirt and continue your space journey.
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