Jump to content

SpaceX Starship (spacecraft)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Starship SN16)

This article is about the second-stage of the vehicle also named Starship. For the entire vehicle, see SpaceX Starship.
Starship
Starship prototype SN20 at the launch site; the distinctive stainless steel structure is visible as well as the edges of the dark thermal protection tiles that cover the other side of the vehicle.
ManufacturerSpaceX
Country of originUnited States
OperatorSpaceX
Applications
Websitespacex.com/vehicles/starship
Specifications
Spacecraft typeCrewed, reusable
Launch mass~1,300,000 kg (2,900,000 lb)[a]
Dry mass~100,000 kg (220,000 lb)[1]
Payload capacity200,000 kg (440,000 lb) (planned)
Crew capacityUp to 100 (planned)
Volume1,000 m3 (35,000 cu ft) (planned)
Dimensions
Height50 m (160 ft)
Diameter9 m (30 ft)
Wingspan17 m (56 ft)
Production
StatusIn development
Launched5
Retired3
Failed1 (IFT-2)
Lost2 (IFT-1, IFT-3)
Maiden launch20 April 2023
Related spacecraft
DerivativesStarship HLS
Flown withSpaceX Super Heavy
Technical details
Propellant mass1,200,000 kg (2,600,000 lb)
Powered by3 × Raptor engines
3 × Raptor vacuum engines
Maximum thrust12,300 kN (2,800,000 lbf)
Specific impulseSL: 327 s (3.21 km/s)
vac: 380 s (3.7 km/s)[2]
PropellantCH4 / LOX

Starship is a spacecraft and second stage[3] under development by American aerospace company SpaceX. Stacked atop its booster, the Super Heavy, the pair compose SpaceX's new super heavy-lift space vehicle, also called Starship. The spacecraft is designed to transport both crew and cargo to a variety of destinations, including Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars. It's designed to be reusable and capable of landing propulsively by firing its engines to perform a controlled descent[4] in the arms of a tower on Earth or with landing legs on other planetary bodies.[5] It is intended to enable long duration interplanetary flights with a crew of up to 100 people.[3] It will also be capable of point-to-point transport on Earth, enabling travel to anywhere in the world in less than an hour. Furthermore, it will be used to refuel other Starship spacecraft, enabling them to reach higher orbits and other space destinations. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, estimated in a tweet that eight launches would be needed to completely refuel a Starship in low Earth orbit, enabling it to travel onwards.[6]

Development began in 2012, when Musk described a plan to build a reusable rocket system with substantially greater capabilities than the Falcon 9 and the planned Falcon Heavy. The rocket evolved through many design and name changes. On July 25, 2019, the Starhopper prototype performed the first successful flight at SpaceX Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas.[7] In May 2021, the SN15 prototype became the first full-size test spacecraft to take off and land successfully.[8] On April 20, 2023, Starship 24 performed the first full flight test on top of a Super Heavy booster, followed by a second test on November 18, 2023, when Starship 25 successfully completed hot-staging and passed the Kármán Line, becoming the first Starship to reach space as well as the heaviest object to ever reach space, before exploding at 148 km.[9][10][11][12][13] As of October 2024, SpaceX has conducted 3 more flight tests of Starship, successfully achieving orbital velocities and gradually testing the atmospheric reentry and vertical landing capabilities of the vehicle by performing controlled splashdowns into the Indian ocean.[14] In April 2024, Elon Musk announced two new versions of Starship, Block 2 and Block 3. Both versions will be taller and will have increased thrust.[15]

History

[edit]
Further information: SpaceX Starship § Development

In November 2005, before SpaceX had launched its first rocket, the Falcon 1, CEO Elon Musk first mentioned a high-capacity rocket concept able to launch 100 tons to low Earth orbit, dubbed the Big Falcon Rocket (BFR). Later in 2012, Elon Musk first publicly announced plans to develop a rocket surpassing the capabilities of their existing Falcon 9. SpaceX called it the Mars Colonial Transporter, as the rocket was to transport humans to Mars and back.

In 2016, Musk changed the name to Interplanetary Transport System, as he planned for the rocket to travel beyond Mars. Made of carbon fiber, this design was to mass over 10,000 tons when fueled and carry 300 tonnes to low Earth orbit, while intending to be fully reusable. By 2017, the rocket was temporarily re-dubbed the BFR and had multiple variants announced, such as cargo, tanker and crew. In 2019, the current stainless-steel design was adopted.

Design

[edit]
Diagram of a Block 1 Starship's internal structure. Not shown in this diagram are the flaps: the aft flaps are placed at the bottom (or left in this orientation), and the forward flaps are placed at the top (here, right) portion of the spaceship.

The current Block 1 of the Starship spacecraft is 50.3 m (165 ft) tall, 9 m (30 ft) in diameter, and has 6 Raptor engines, 3 of which are optimized for use in outer space.[16][17] The future Block 3 of the Starship spacecraft is planned to have an additional 3 Raptor Vacuum engines for increased payload capacity. Starship Block 1's payload bay, measuring 17 m (56 ft) tall by 8 m (26 ft) in diameter, is the largest of any active or planned launch vehicle; its internal volume of 1,000 m3 (35,000 cu ft) is slightly larger than the International Space Station's pressurized volume.[18] SpaceX will also provide a 22 m (72 ft) tall payload bay configuration for even larger payloads.[19]

Starship's flap

Starship has a total propellant capacity of 1,200 t (2,600,000 lb)[20] across its main tanks and header tanks.[21] The header tanks are better insulated due to their position and are reserved for use to flip and land the spacecraft following reentry.[22] A set of reaction control thrusters, which use the pressure in the fuel tank, control attitude while in space.[23]

The spacecraft has four body flaps to control the spacecraft's orientation and help dissipate energy during atmospheric entry,[24] composed of two forward flaps and two aft flaps. According to SpaceX, the flaps replace the need for wings or tailplane, reduce the fuel needed for landing, and allow landing at destinations in the Solar System where runways do not exist (for example, Mars).[25]: 1  Under the forward flaps, hardpoints are used for lifting and catching the spacecraft via mechanical arms.[26] The flap's hinges are sealed in aero-covers because they would otherwise be easily damaged during reentry.[1]

S20's heat shield being repaired.

Heat shield

[edit]

Starship's heat shield is composed of eighteen thousand[27][28] hexagonal black tiles that can withstand temperatures of 1,400 °C (2,600 °F).[29][30] It is designed to protect the vehicle during atmospheric entry and to be used multiple times with minimal maintenance between flights.[31] The silica-based tiles[32] are attached to Starship with pins[30] and have small gaps in between to allow for heat expansion.[1] After IFT-4, SpaceX added a secondary ablative layer under the primary heat shield.[33] The total mass of the heat shield and ablative layer is 10.5 t (23,000 lb).[34]

Variants

[edit]
Starship stacks with 3 upper stage variants: HLS, propellant tanker and propellant depot. The vented interstage, located between the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy booster, is not included in this render.

For satellite launch, Starship is planned to have a large cargo door that opens to release payloads, similar to NASA's Space Shuttle, and close upon reentry instead of a jettisonable nosecone fairing. Instead of a cleanroom, payloads are integrated directly into Starship's payload bay, which requires purging the payload bay with temperature-controlled ISO class 8 clean air.[19] To deploy Starlink satellites, the cargo door is to be replaced with a slot and dispenser rack, whose mechanism has been compared to a Pez candy dispenser.[35]

Crewed Starship vehicles would replace the cargo bay with a pressurized crew section and have a life-support system. For long-duration missions, such as crewed flights to Mars, SpaceX describes the interior as potentially including "private cabins, large communal areas, centralized storage, solar storm shelters, and a viewing gallery".[19] Starship's life support system is expected to recycle resources such as air and water from waste.[36]

Starship will be able to be refueled by docking with separately launched Starship propellant tanker spacecraft in orbit. Doing so increases the spacecraft's mass capacity and allows it to reach higher-energy targets,[b] such as geosynchronous orbit, the Moon, and Mars.[37] A Starship propellant depot could cache methane and oxygen on-orbit and be used by Starship to replenish its fuel tanks.

Starship Human Landing System (HLS) is a crewed lunar lander variant of the Starship vehicle that would be modified for landing, operation, and takeoff from the lunar surface.[38] It features landing legs, a body-mounted solar array,[39] a set of thrusters mounted mid-body to assist with final landing and takeoff,[39] two airlocks,[38] and an elevator to lower crew and cargo onto the lunar surface.[40]

Varying estimates have been given about the number of tanker launches required to fully fuel HLS, ranging from between "four and eight" to a number "in the high teens".[41][42] These launches will reportedly have to be in "rapid succession" in order to manage schedule constraints and cryogenic fuel boil-off.[41] When fully fueled, Starship HLS is designed to land 100 t (220,000 lb) of payload on the Moon.[43][44][45]

Development

[edit]
For a list of test flights of the vehicle, see List of Starship upper stage flight tests

Starship's development is iterative and incremental, using frequent—and often destructive—tests on a series of rocket prototypes.[46][30][47]

SpaceX prototypes are subjected to several tests before they can be launched. Pressure tests come first, during which the tanks are filled with a liquid or gas to test their strength and safety factor. SpaceX tests some tanks beyond the specified limit, to find the point at which they burst. After engine installation, vehicles undergo static fire testing, during which the engines fire while the vehicle is prevented from lifting off. After passing these tests, a prototype vehicle will launch, either flying within the atmosphere, or attempting to reach orbit.[48]: 15–19 

S/N Type Launches Launch date Flight No.[i] Turnaround time Payload Launch
(pad) 		Landing
(location) 		Status
Starhopper — 4 April 3, 2019 — — — Success (SLS) Success (SLS) Repurposed[49][50]
April 5, 2019 — 2 days — Success (SLS) Success (SLS)
July 25, 2019[51] Hop 1 111 days — Success (SLS) Success (SLS)
August 27, 2019[52][51] Hop 2 33 days — Success (SLS) Success (SLS)
Mk1 — 0 — — — — — — Destroyed
Mk2 — 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Mk3/SN1 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Destroyed
Mk4 — 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
SN3 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Destroyed
SN4 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Destroyed
SN5 Block 0 1 August 4, 2020[53][54] Hop 3 — — Success (Pad-A) Success (SLS) Scrapped
SN6 Block 0 1 September 3, 2020[55] Hop 4 — — Success (Pad-A) Success (SLS) Scrapped
SN8 Block 0 1 December 9, 2020[56] High-Altitude flight test 1 — — Success (Pad-A) Failure (SLS) Destroyed
SN9 Block 0 1 February 2, 2021[57] High-Altitude flight test 2 — — Success (Pad-B) Failure (SLS) Destroyed
SN10 Block 0 1 March 3, 2021[58][59] High-Altitude flight test 3 — — Success (Pad-A) Partial failure (SLS) Destroyed
SN11 Block 0 1 March 30, 2021[60] High-Altitude flight test 4 — — Success (Pad-B) Failure (SLS) Destroyed
SN13 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
SN14 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
SN15 Block 0 1 May 5, 2021[61] High-Altitude flight test 5 — — Success (Pad-A) Success (SLS) Scrapped
SN16 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
SN17 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
SN18 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
SN19 Block 0 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
SN20/Ship 20 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Retired
Ship 21 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 22 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped, converted into test article
Ship 23 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 24 Block 1 1 April 20, 2023 Starship flight test 1 — — Failure (OLP-A)[ii] Precluded Destroyed
Ship 25 Block 1 1 November 18, 2023 Starship flight test 2 — — Failure (OLP-A) Precluded Destroyed
Ship 26 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Retired
Ship 27 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped, converted into test article
Ship 28 Block 1 1 March 14, 2024 Starship flight test 3 — — Success (OLP-A) Failure (Ocean) Destroyed
Ship 29 Block 1 1 June 6, 2024 Starship flight test 4 — — Success (OLP-A) Controlled (Ocean) Expended
Ship 30 Block 1 1 October 13, 2024 Starship flight test 5 — — Success (OLP-A) Controlled (Ocean) Expended
Ship 31 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Operational (Awaiting Full Stack Testing)
Ship 32 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Retired
Ship 33 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 34 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 35 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 36 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 37 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 38 Block 1 0 — — — — — — Scrapped
Ship 33 Block 2 0 — — — — — — Operational (Awaiting Static Fire Testing)
Ship 34 Block 2 0 — — — — — — Under Construction
Ship 35 Block 2 0 — — — — — — Under Construction
Ship 36 Block 2 0 — — — — — — Under Construction
  1. ^ Entries with mint colored background   denote flights using new ships.
  2. ^ The booster failed before stage separation

Starhopper

[edit]
Starhopper in March 2019
Starhopper configuration as flown in August 2019

Construction on the initial steel test article—Starship Hopper,[62] Hopper, Hoppy, or Starhopper[63]—began at Boca Chica in 2018. Starhopper had a single engine and was test flown to develop landing and low-altitude/low-velocity control algorithms.

Starhopper used liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane fuel. After it completed its testing campaign Starhopper was repurposed as a water tank, weather station and equipment mount for cameras, lights, loudspeakers and a radar system.[64]

Testing

[edit]

It passed tanking tests, wet dress rehearsals, and pre-burner tests.[65] A storm blew over and damaged Starhopper's nose cone. SpaceX continued testing without one.[66]

It then passed a static fire test,[67] and in a tethered test reached 1 meter altitude.[68][69][66] On July 25, 2019, a Starhopper test flight reached about 20 m (66 ft) altitude,[70] followed by an August 27 test that rose to 150 m (490 ft)[71] and landed about 100 m (330 ft) from the launchpad, the Raptor's first use in flight.

On September 3, 2024, Starhopper was moved to a parking lot nearby the launch site.[72]

Mark series (Mk1–Mk4)

[edit]

Starship Mk1 in September 2019

SpaceX began building the high-altitude prototype, Mk1 in Texas and Mk2 in Florida, using competing teams that shared progress, insights, and build techniques.[73][68] The vehicle featured three Raptor methalox engines and were meant to reach an altitude 5 km (3.1 mi).[74][75]

Mk1 was 9 m (30 ft) in diameter and about 50 m (160 ft) tall,[76] with an empty mass of 200 t (440,000 lb). It was intended for testing flight and reentry profiles, in pursuit of a suborbital flight. When announced, it had three sea-level Raptor engines, two fins each at the front and back, and a nose cone containing cold-gas reaction control thrusters, with all but the aft fins being removed afterwards.[77][78][79]

On November 20, 2019, Mk1 blew apart during a pressure test.[80][81]

SpaceX began Mk2 in Florida, sharing progress, insights, and build techniques with the Mk1 team in Texas.[73][68] It was never completed.[82]

The Mk3 prototype began construction in late 2019.[76] In December 2019, Musk redesignated Mk3 as Starship SN1, and predicted that minor design improvements would continue through SN20.[83] SpaceX began stacking SN1 in February 2020 after successful pressurization tests on propellant tank prototypes. SN1 was destroyed during a cryogenic pressurization test on February 28, 2020, due to a design flaw in the lower tank thrust structure.[84][85]

Mk4 began construction in Florida in October 2019,[86] but was scrapped after a few weeks.

Hops (SN3–SN6)

[edit]

SN3 and SN4

[edit]

SN3 was destroyed during testing on April 3, 2020[48][87] due to a failure in the testing configuration.[48]

Static fire of SN4

SN4 passed cryogenic pressure testing on April 26[88] and two static fires on May 5 and May 7: one tested the main tanks, while the other tested the fuel header tank.[89] After uninstalling the engine, a new cryogenic pressure test was conducted on May 19. A leak in the methane fuel piping ignited, causing significant damage to the rocket's base, destroying the control wiring.[90] SN4 was destroyed on May 29, due to a failure with the Ground Support Equipment's quick-disconnect function.[91]

SN5 and SN6

[edit]

After a static fire test on July 30,[92] SN5 completed a 150-meter flight (August 4) with engine SN27.[54][93] SN5 was scrapped in February 2021.[94]

SN6 completed a static fire on August 24, and a 150-meter hop test flight with engine SN29 on September 3. In January 2021, SN6 was scrapped.[95]

High-altitude test flights (SN8–S23)

[edit]
SN8 shortly after taking off during its test flight
Photograph of Elon Musk alongside the remains of Starship
Starship SN8 remains after it crashed to the ground
SN9 on Suborbital Pad B, with the production facility in the background
See also: List of Starship upper stage flight tests

SN8 and SN9

[edit]

SN8 was planned to be built out of 304L stainless steel,[96] although some parts may have used 301L steel.[97] In late October and November, SN8 underwent four static fires. During the third test, on November 12, 2020, debris from the pad caused the vehicle to lose pneumatics.[98] Launch took place on December 9. Launch, ascent, reorientation, and controlled descent were successful, but low pressure in the methane header tank[99] kept the engines from producing enough thrust for the landing burn, destroying SN8 on impact.[100]

On December 11, 2020, the stand beneath SN9 failed, causing the vehicle to tip and contact the walls inside the High Bay.[101] SN9 then required a replacement forward flap.[102] SN9 conducted 6 static fires in January 2021,[103] including three static fires in one day.[104] After these tests, two engines had to be replaced.[105] After struggling to gain U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission,[106] SN9 conducted a 10 km (6.2 mi) flight test on February 2. Ascent, engine cutoffs, reorientation and controlled descent were stable, but one engine's oxygen pre-burner failed, sending SN9 crashing into the landing pad.[107] The landing pad was then reinforced with an additional layer of concrete.[108] After the SN9 failure, all three engines were used to perform the belly flop landing sequence. This offered a failsafe should one fail to ignite.[109][110]

SN10–SN14

[edit]

SN10 underwent a cryogenic proof test on February 8, 2021, followed by a static fire on February 23.[111] After an engine swap, another static fire was conducted on February 25.[112]

Two launch attempts were conducted on March 3. The first attempt was automatically aborted after one engine produced too much thrust while throttling up. After a 3-hour delay to increase the tolerance,[113] the second attempt launched and landed successfully. The test ended with a hard landing-at 10 m/s – most likely due to partial helium ingestion from the fuel header tank. Three landing legs were not locked in place, producing a slight lean after landing. Although the vehicle initially remained intact, the impact crushed the legs and part of the leg skirt. Eight minutes later the prototype exploded.[114][115]

SN11 accomplished a cryogenic proof test on March 12 that included a test of the Reaction control system (RCS),[116][117] followed by a static fire test on March 15, 2021. Immediately after ignition, the test was aborted.[118] Another static fire attempt[119] led to reports that one of the three engines had been removed for repairs.[120] A replacement engine was installed[121] and a third static fire was attempted on March 26.[122] A 10 km flight test was conducted in heavy fog on March 30. The test included engine cutoffs, flip maneuver, flap control and descent, along with a visible fire on engine 2[123] during the ascent. Just after the defective engine was re-ignited for the landing burn, SN11 lost telemetry at T+ 5:49 and disintegrated.[124]

SN12 through SN14 never launched.[125]

SN15–SN19

[edit]

SN15 introduced improved avionics software, an updated aft skirt propellant architecture, and a new Raptor design and configuration.[126][127] A Starlink antenna on the side of the vehicle was another new feature.[128] SN15 underwent an ambient temperature pressure test on April 9, 2021,[129] followed by a cryogenic proof test on April 12, and a header tank cryogenic proof test on April 13.[130][131] A static fire was conducted on April 26,[132][133] and a header tank static fire on April 27 followed.[134] A 10 km (33,000 ft) high-altitude flight test was conducted in overcast weather on May 5, achieving a soft touchdown. A small fire near the base started shortly after landing, though this was extinguished.[135] After its engines were removed, it was moved to the Rocket Garden on May 31, 2021.[136] On July 26, 2023, SN15 was scrapped.[137]

SN16 was scrapped, while SN17, SN18, and SN19 were never completed.

SN20 getting its heat shield inspected

SN20/Ship 20–Ship 23

[edit]

Static fire test of SN20 on October 21, 2021

SN20 was the first vehicle with a complete thermal protection system (TPS). SN20 rolled out to the launch mount on August 5, 2021, and was stacked onto Booster 4 for a fit test.[138][139][140] U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filings in May 2021 by SpaceX stated that the orbital flight would launch from Boca Chica, Texas. After separation, Starship would enter orbit and around 90 minutes later attempt a soft ocean landing around 100 km off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.[141] However, S20 was retired in March 2022. As of April 2024, SN20 (Ship 20) remains in the Rocket Garden.

Ship 21 was scrapped before being completed.[142]

Ship 22 moved to the Rocket Garden in late February 2022. It was later scrapped, in favor of using S24 for integrated flight test 1 (IFT-1).[142] Its nosecone was converted into a HLS interior mockup. 3d Artist TheSpaceEngineer has claimed that this mockup features two decks, the first containing the life support systems (ECLSS), and the second serving as habitation for the crew.[143]

Ship 23 was scrapped and partially recycled in Ship 24.[144]

Block 1 launches (S24–S38)

[edit]

Ship 24 and Ship 25

[edit]

See also: Starship flight test 1

Ship 24 was first spotted in November 2021, and conducted cryogenic proof tests on June 2, 2022, June 6, and June 7.[145][146] On June 9, Ship 24 was rolled back to the production site for engine installation,[147] and was rolled to Suborbital Pad B on July 5.[148][149] Ship 24 conducted a series of spin prime tests in mid-late July.[150][151][152][153] It completed a two engine static fire test on August 9,[154] followed by an additional spin prime test on August 25.[155] On September 8, 2022, Ship 24 underwent a six engine static fire test.[156] The ship was subsequently stacked on top of Booster 7 in mid-October, followed by two destacks in October and early November.[157][158][159] On December 15, Ship 24 conducted a single engine static test fire.[160][161] In January 2023, Booster 7 and Ship 24 conducted a Wet Dress Rehearsal.[162] On April 20, 2023, Ship 24 was destroyed in flight along with Booster 7 after spinning out of control.[163][164]

See also: Starship flight test 2

Ship 25 was a Starship prototype similar to Ship 24, equipped with a heat shield and a payload bay, though this was permanently welded shut.[165] It was used to test the cryogenic test stand at Massey's test site.[165] During the third week of May 2023, Ship 25 was moved to the launch site and lifted onto suborbital pad B for engine testing.[165] On June 21, 2023, Ship 25 performed a successful spin prime test,[165] On June 26, 2023, Ship 25 underwent its first static fire test, igniting all six engines.[165] On August 5, 2023, it was moved to the Rocket Garden for final TPS work.[165] It was lifted onto B9 for the first time on September 5, and was destacked several times throughout the rest of the month and mid October.[165] On October 22, B9 underwent two partial cryogenic tests, while S25 was not tested,[165] followed by a full wet dress rehearsal (WDR) two days later.[165] On November 18, 2023, Ship 25 was launched atop Booster 9 on the second Integrated Flight Test, with Ship 25 successfully separating from Booster 9.[165] Near the end of its burn, a LOX dump started a fire in the engine bay, causing an explosion.[165] The autonomous flight termination system activated, destroying the vehicle.[166]

Ship 26 and 27

[edit]

Ship 26 is an expendable Starship prototype, lacking heat shield tiles and flaps. Ship 26 also lacks a payload bay door. On September 9, 2023, S26 was moved to Suborbital Pad B for static fire testing.[167] S26 then underwent a cryogenic test on October 9, 2023, followed by a preburner test with a single engine nine days later,[168] and a single engine static fire test on October 20, 2023, simulating a deorbit burn. On December 16, 2023, SpaceX crews began welding large steel pieces onto S26's payload bay, although it is unclear what was the reason behind this reinforcement.[169] Additional supports were added on December 20, 2023.[170] S26 was rolled to the Massey's site on May 8 for static fire stand testing.[171][172] S26 conducted a cryogenic test on May 24,[173] followed by a six engine static fire on June 3.[174] S26's engines were removed on August 14.[175]

Like S26, S27 was an expendable prototype, lacking heat shield tiles. It was the first Ship to have a reinforced payload dispenser. Ship 27 was scrapped on July 20, 2023, after the common dome failed.[176] S27's aft section was then converted into a test article, presumably to test the engine shielding design present on S25.[177] On September 27, 2023, S27 was rolled to the Massey's test site.[177]

Ships 28–32

[edit]

See also: Starship flight test 3

Ship 28, along with subsequent Block 1 models, features heat shield tiles as well as reinforced Starlink satellite dispensers.[178] In July 2023, S28 underwent cryogenic testing, before receiving engines on August 18.[179] On December 14, S28 was moved to the launch site and lifted onto Suborbital Pad B,[180] where it completed a spin prime test on December 16,[179] followed by a six engine static fire test on December 20,[179] and a deorbit burn test on December 29.[180] S28 was moved to the Orbital Launch Site for IFT-3 on February 10,[179] and was stacked onto the B10 rocket.[179] The combined vehicle conducted two aborted wet dress rehearsal attempts on February 14 and February 16.[179][181] It was returned to Suborbital Pad B on February 19,[179] where underwent a spin prime test on February 26,[179] On March 3, 2024, B10 and S28 completed a wet dress rehearsal,[179] followed by a final destack on March 5 for FTS installation.[179] The FTS was armed on March 8, 2024,[179] followed by S28 being restacked on March 10, 2024.[179] S28 flew with B10 on March 14, and reached orbit. It conducted tests of the Payload Dispenser and fuel transfer system, before being destroyed during reentry.[182]

See also: Starship flight test 4

On September 22, 2023, S29 was moved to Massey's for cryogenic testing, where it was cryogenically tested on September 26,.[183] On November 21, 2023, S29 was moved into the High Bay,[183] and on February 29, S29 was moved to the launch site,[183] where it underwent a cryogenic test on March 7,[184] followed by a spin prime test on March 11.[185] On March 12, 2024, S29 was briefly removed from the launch site to prevent damage from IFT-3, before returning ahead of two static fire tests on March 25 and March 27.[186][183] On May 15, S29 was lifted onto B11, with the combined vehicle completing a partial cryogenic test on May 16,[187] and a full wet dress rehearsal on May 20.[188] A second wet dress rehearsal was conducted on May 28.[189] On May 29, S29 was destacked for final tile work and Flight Termination System (FTS) Installation,[183] with FTS installation occurring on May 30.[183] S29 was stacked onto B11 for the final time on June 5.[183] On June 6, S29 was launched with B11 on IFT-4, with S29 completing a full ascent burn with no engine failures.[190] It retained attitude control into reentry, despite the near-complete loss of a forward flap,[190] and achieved a successful landing burn.[190]

See also: Starship flight test 5

S30 was moved to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on December 30, 2023.[191] On January 3, 2024, S30 underwent its first cryogenic test.[192] On May 1, it was rolled to the Suborbital Launch Site,[193] where it was lifted onto Suborbital Pad B for static fire testing.[194] It conducted a cryogenic test on May 7,[195] followed by an aborted static fire test,[196] and a 6 engine static fire test on May 8. On June 11, SpaceX began removing and replacing S30s thermal protection system, adding a backup ablative layer.[197] S30 was rolled to Masseys on July 20,[197] ahead of a 6 engine static fire on July 26,[198] and rolled back to the production site on July 27.[197] One of S30's Raptor Vacuum engines was replaced on August 3,[197] and it was rolled back to Massey's on August 6,[197] where it conducted a spin prime test on August 7.[199] SpaceX claimed that B12 and S30 were ready to fly on August 8.[199] S30 was then rolled back to the production site.[197] On September 21, S30 was lifted onto B12.[200] A partial wet dress rehearsal was conducted on September 23.[201] followed by a second partial wet dress rehearsal on October 7,[202] followed by S30 being destacked for FTS installation.[203] FTS was installed on both vehicles on October 9,[204] and S30 was stacked onto B12 for Flight 5 on October 11.[205] On October 13, S30 launched on B12, and reached orbit after a nominal ascent burn with no engine failures. Like S29, S30 retained attitude control through reentry, and successfully reignited its engines for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.[206] As of October 13, 2024, S30 is the largest artificial object to reenter Earth's atmosphere.[207]

See also: Starship flight test 6

On December 14, 2023, S31 was moved to the Rocket Garden,[208] before being moved back into the High Bay on January 4.[209] It was rolled to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on May 11,[210] with the first test ending prematurely due to an electrical anomaly.[211] After being repaired, it returned to Massey's,[212] where it was cryogenically tested on July 2 and July 3.[213] On July 5, S31 was moved to Mega Bay 2 for engine installation.[214] The process of replacing S31's thermal protection system began in early August.[215] On September 6, S31 was rolled to Massey's for static fire testing.[216] It attempted to static fire on September 8, with the test being aborted due to the weather.[217] S31 conducted a static fire on September 18,[218] and it was rolled back to the production site on September 20.[219]

On November 24, Elon Musk implied that S32 would be the last Block 1 starship.[220] On January 10, 2024, S32 was moved to the Rocket Garden.[221] FCC filings confirmed on June 21 indicated that Flight 7 would use a Block 2 vehicle, implying that S32 would not be used on a flight. SpaceX confirmed that S32 would not fly as SpaceX stated on it's website page for flight 6, that vehicles slated for flight 7 and beyond would incorporate redesigned forward flaps, enlarged propellant tanks, and stronger heat tiles [222]

Ships 33–38

[edit]

In late November, 2023, the original S33's components were scrapped,[223] alongside the components of the original S34 through S38.[224]

Block 2 launches (Ships 33 and subsequent)

[edit]

Block 2 ships will feature a new forward flap design, increased propellant capacity, and an increase in thrust.[225] Additionally, the leeward side of the vehicle has some external stringers.[226] These vehicles will be a total of 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) meters taller than the previous Block 1 ships.[225]

On July 24, 2024, S33's nosecone and payload bay were rolled into Mega Bay 2.[227] Stacking of the vehicle was completed on August 23.[228] On October 26, S33 rolled to the Massey's test site,[229] where it conducted a series of cryogenic tests.[230]

On September 19, 2024, S34's nosecone was rolled into the High bay ahead of integration with the payload bay.[231] The combined assembly was then rolled into the Starfactory,[232] and from there into Mega Bay 2.[233]

Test articles

[edit]

Starship-based test articles

[edit]
S/N Tests Decommission Date Status
LOX HT 2 January 25, 2020[234] Destroyed
SN2 1 March 2020[235] Retired
SN7 2 June 23, 2020[236] Destroyed
SN7.1 2 September 22, 2020[237] Destroyed
SN7.2 2 May 22, 2021 Retired
S24.1 3 2023 Scrapped
S26.1 3 September 2023 Destroyed
S24.2 2 2024 Scrapped
TT16 2 October 2024 Retired

Liquid Oxygen Header Test Tank (LOX HTT) was based on the LOX Header tank, as well as surrounding parts of the nosecone. On January 24, 2020, the tank underwent a pressurization test which lasted several hours.[238] The following day it was tested to destruction.[234]

SN2 was a test tank used to test welding quality and thrust puck design. The thrust puck is found on the bottom of the vehicle where in later Starship tests up to three sea-level Raptor engines would be mounted. SN2 passed a pressure test on March 8, 2020.[85][84]

SN7 was a pathfinder test article for the switch to type 304L stainless steel.[96] A cryogenic proof test was performed on June 15, 2020, achieving a pressure of 7.6 bar (110 psi) before a leak occurred. During a pressurize to failure test on June 23, 2020, the tank burst at an unknown pressure.[239][236]

SN7.1 was the second 304L test tank, with the goal of reaching a higher failure pressure.[96] The tank was repeatedly tested in September, and tested to destruction on September 23.[240] The bulkhead came apart at a pressure of 8 bar (115 psi) in ullage and 9 bar (130 psi) at base.[241][237]

SN7.2 was created to test thinner walls, and therefore, lower mass. It is believed to be constructed from 3 mm steel sheets rather than the 4 mm thickness of its predecessors.[242] On January 26, 2021, SN7.2 passed a cryogenic proof test. On February 4, during a pressurize to failure test, the tank developed a leak.[243][244] On March 15, SN7.2 was retired.[245][246]

S24.1 was a test article design to test the redesigned aft section present on Block 1 ships after S24. It conducted a single test on the can-crusher on October 7, 2022. After this test failed, it received modifications before completing two tests on December 5 and December 6.[247]

S26.1 was a test tank designed to test the aft section of Block 1 ships after S24.1's failure. It conducted two tests on the can-crusher, before being moved off in July 2023.[248] On September 21, 2023, it was tested to destruction.[249]

S24.2 was a test article designed to test the payload bay of Starlink dispenser vehicles.[250] On September 28, 2023, it was moved to the Massey's test site. It performed two tests before subsequently being scrapped.

TT16 is a test tank designed for testing the Block 2 ship aft section,[251][252] consisting of an aft section and a small common dome section. Its official designation is not yet known.[253] On July 18, it was rolled to the Massey's test site for structural testing.[251] It conducted two cryogenic tests on July 25,[254] followed by another test on September 6, 2024.[255] It was returned to the production site in early October for scrapping.[256]

General test articles

[edit]
S/N Tests Decommission Date Status
TT1 1 January 10, 2020[257] Destroyed
TT2 2 January 29, 2020[258] Destroyed
GSE 4.1 2 January 18, 2022 Destroyed
EDOME 2 Late October 2022 Destroyed
EDOME2 1 December 2023 Scrapped


Test Tank 1 (TT1) was a subscale test tank consisting of two forward bulkheads connected by a small barrel section. TT1 was used to test new materials and construction methods. On January 10, 2020, TT1 was tested to failure as part of an ambient temperature test, reaching a pressure of 7.1 bar (103 psi).[257][259]

Test Tank 2 (TT2) was another subscale test tank similar to TT1. On January 27, 2020, TT2 underwent an ambient temperature pressure test where it reached a pressure of 7.5 bar (109 psi) before a leak occurred.[260] Two days later, it underwent a cryogenic proof test to destruction, bursting at 8.5 bar (123 psi).[261][258][262]

GSE 4.1 was first spotted in August 2021 and was the first ground support equipment (GSE) test tank built, made from parts of GSE 4.[263] It underwent a cryogenic proof test in August 2021 before it was rolled to the Sanchez site.[264] It was rolled back to the launch site in November 2021, where it underwent an apparent cryogenic proof test to failure on January 18, 2022, where it burst at an unknown pressure.[265]

EDOME was a test tank created to test flatter domes, possibly used on future Starship prototypes. It was moved to the launch site in July 2022, and then back to the production site the next month, after undergoing no tests.[266] It was later moved from the production site to the Massey's test site in late September 2022, where it was damaged during a cryogenic pressure test to failure.[266] After repairs, it was tested to destruction in late October 2022.[266]

EDOME 2 was a test tank which is likely designed to continue testing a flatter dome design. As of October 4, 2023, its official designation is unknown. It was tested once, before being scrapped for unknown reasons.[267]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Gross mass is the total of the propellant mass (1,200 tonnes) and approximate empty mass (100 tonnes).
  2. ^ Synonymous with increasing the delta-v budget of the spacecraft.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Sesnic, Trevor (August 11, 2021). "Starbase Tour and Interview with Elon Musk". The Everyday Astronaut (Interview). Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  2. ^ "Starship : Official SpaceX Starship Page". SpaceX. Archived from the original on May 22, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "SpaceX – Starship". SpaceX. Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023. Starship is the fully reusable spacecraft and second stage of the Starship system.
  4. ^ Foust, Jeff (January 6, 2021). "SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Dynetics Compete to Build the Next Moon Lander". IEEE Spectrum. Archived from the original on November 29, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  5. ^ Weber, Ryan (October 31, 2021). "Major elements of Starship Orbital Launch Pad in place as launch readiness draws nearer". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  6. ^ "Musk Says That Refueling Starship For Lunar Landings will Take 8 Launches (Maybe 4)". August 18, 2021. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  7. ^ Malik, Tariq (July 26, 2019). "SpaceX Starship Prototype Takes 1st Free-Flying Test Hop". Space.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  8. ^ Roulette, Joey (May 5, 2021). "SpaceX successfully landed a Starship prototype for the first time". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  9. ^ "SpaceX Starship IFT-2 Launch: Ship 25 Reaches Space! / WAI Hub". www.whataboutit.space. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  10. ^ It Really Happened! Starship Test Flight 2 Debrief | NSF LIVE, archived from the original on December 15, 2023, retrieved December 15, 2023
  11. ^ "SpaceX". SpaceX. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  12. ^ Weber, Ryan (November 17, 2023). "After upgrades, Starship achieves numerous successes during second test flight". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  13. ^ DeSisto, Austin (November 8, 2023). "Starship/SuperHeavy | Integrated Flight Test No. 2". Everyday Astronaut. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  14. ^ Sample, Ian (October 13, 2024). "SpaceX launches Starship rocket and catches booster in giant metal arms". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  15. ^ Howell, Elizabeth (April 13, 2024). "SpaceX's giant Starship will be 500 feet tall for Mars missions, Elon Musk says (video)". Space.com. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  16. ^ Dvorsky, George (August 6, 2021). "SpaceX Starship Stacking Produces the Tallest Rocket Ever Built". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  17. ^ Petrova, Magdalena (March 13, 2022). "Why Starship is the holy grail for SpaceX". CNBC. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  18. ^ Garcia, Mark (November 5, 2021). "International Space Station Facts and Figures". NASA. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  19. ^ a b c "Starship Users Guide" (PDF). SpaceX. March 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  20. ^ Lawler, Richard (September 29, 2019). "SpaceX's plan for in-orbit Starship refueling: a second Starship". Engadget. Archived from the original on December 8, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  21. ^ Sheetz, Michael (March 30, 2021). "Watch SpaceX's launch and attempted landing of Starship prototype rocket SN11". CNBC. Archived from the original on March 30, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  22. ^ Kooser, Amanda (October 1, 2019). "Elon Musk video lets us peep inside SpaceX Starship". CNET. Archived from the original on June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  23. ^ Wattles, Jackie (December 10, 2020). "Space X's Mars prototype rocket exploded yesterday. Here's what happened on the flight". CNN. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  24. ^ Sheetz, Michael (March 3, 2021). "SpaceX Starship prototype rocket explodes after successful landing in high-altitude flight test". CNBC. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  25. ^ "Starbase Overview" (PDF). SpaceX. March 29, 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  26. ^ Weber, Ryan (October 31, 2021). "Major elements of Starship Orbital Launch Pad in place as launch readiness draws nearer". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  27. ^ "SpaceX". SpaceX. Archived from the original on March 7, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  28. ^ Sheetz, Michael (August 6, 2021). "Musk: 'Dream come true' to see fully stacked SpaceX Starship rocket during prep for orbital launch". CNBC. Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  29. ^ Torbet, Georgina (March 29, 2019). "SpaceX's Hexagon Heat Shield Tiles Take on an Industrial Flamethrower". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  30. ^ a b c Reichhardt, Tony (December 14, 2021). "Marsliner". Air & Space/Smithsonian. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  31. ^ Inman, Jennifer Ann; Horvath, Thomas J.; Scott, Carey Fulton (August 24, 2021). SCIFLI Starship Reentry Observation (SSRO) ACO (SpaceX Starship). Game Changing Development Annual Program Review 2021. NASA. hdl:2060/20210020835. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  32. ^ Bergeron, Julia (April 6, 2021). "New permits shed light on the activity at SpaceX's Cidco and Roberts Road facilities". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on December 6, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  33. ^ Wang, Brian (June 15, 2024). "SpaceX Work on New Heat Shield". nextbigfuture.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  34. ^ "Starship's Fifth Flight Test". SpaceX. October 13, 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  35. ^ Dvorsky, George (June 6, 2022). "Musk's Megarocket Will Deploy Starlink Satellites Like a Pez Dispenser". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  36. ^ Grush, Loren (October 4, 2019). "Elon Musk's future Starship updates could use more details on human health and survival". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 8, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  37. ^ Scoles, Sarah (August 12, 2022). "Prime mover". Science. 377 (6607): 702–705. Bibcode:2022Sci...377..702S. doi:10.1126/science.ade2873. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 35951703. S2CID 240464593. Archived from the original on August 18, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  38. ^ a b Burghardt, Thomas (April 20, 2021). "After NASA taps SpaceX's Starship for first Artemis landings, the agency looks to on-ramp future vehicles". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  39. ^ a b Kurkowski, Seth (November 2, 2023). "Leaked new SpaceX Starship HLS renders show a much more refined design". Space Explored. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  40. ^ Foust, Jeff (August 24, 2022). "Starship uncrewed lunar lander test a "skeleton" of crewed lander". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  41. ^ a b Foust, Jeff (November 17, 2023). "Starship lunar lander missions to require nearly 20 launches, NASA says". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  42. ^ Harwood, William (January 9, 2024). "NASA delays first Artemis astronaut flight to late 2025, moon landing to 2026". CBS News. Archived from the original on February 18, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  43. ^ Satter, Raphael; Jin, Hyunjoo; Vengattil, Munsif (April 16, 2021). "'NASA rules,' Musk says as SpaceX wins $2.9 billion moon lander contract". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  44. ^ Berger, Eric (May 2, 2022). "SpaceX engineer says NASA should plan for Starship's "significant" capability". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  45. ^ Davenport, Christian (April 16, 2023). "SpaceX's launch of Starship could remake space exploration". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  46. ^ Berger, Eric (February 21, 2020). "SpaceX pushing iterative design process, accepting failure to go fast". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  47. ^ Wall, Mike (April 21, 2023). "What's next for SpaceX's Starship after its historic flight test?". Space.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  48. ^ a b c "Starship SN3 failure due to bad commanding. SN4 already under construction". NASASpaceFlight.com. April 5, 2020. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  49. ^ "SpaceX may 'cannibalize' its first Mars rocket-ship prototype in Elon Musk's race to launch Starship". Business Insider. August 7, 2019. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  50. ^ "Application for new or modified radio station under FCC rules". June 4, 2020. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  51. ^ a b Wall, Mike (August 27, 2019). "SpaceX Starhopper Rocket Prototype Aces Highest (and Final) Test Flight". Space.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  52. ^ Baylor, Michael (August 27, 2019). "SpaceX's Starhopper completes 150 meter test hop". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  53. ^ Ralph, Eric (August 4, 2020). "SpaceX Starship leaps towards Mars with picture-perfect hop debut". Teslarati. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  54. ^ a b Baylor, Michael (August 3, 2020). "Starship SN5 conducts successful 150-meter flight test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  55. ^ Wall, Mike (September 3, 2020). "Starship SN6 maiden hop complete - Super Heavy is coming". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  56. ^ "NOTAM". Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  57. ^ Cotton, Ethan (January 24, 2021). "Starship SN9: 10 kilometer flight". Everyday Astronaut. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  58. ^ Cotton, Ethan (February 22, 2021). "When will SN10 launch? Live Updates". Everyday Astronaut. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  59. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN10 History". Next Spaceflight. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  60. ^ Starship | SN11 | High-Altitude Flight Test. SpaceX. March 30, 2021. Archived from the original on December 17, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via YouTube.
  61. ^ Wall, Mike (May 5, 2021). "SpaceX launches Starship SN15 rocket and sticks the landing in high-altitude test flight". Space.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  62. ^ Commercial Space Transportation Experimental Permit – Experimental Permit Number: EP19-012, FAA, June 21, 2019, accessed June 29, 2019.
  63. ^ Gebhardt, Chris (March 18, 2019). "Starhopper first flight as early as this week; Starship/Superheavy updates". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  64. ^ "Starhopper / WAI Hub". www.whataboutit.space. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  65. ^ Burghardt, Thomas (July 25, 2019). "Starhopper successfully conducts debut Boca Chica Hop". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  66. ^ a b Gebhardt, Chris (April 3, 2019). "Starhopper conducts Raptor Static Fire test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  67. ^ Grush, Loren (April 3, 2019). "SpaceX just fired up the engine on its test Starship vehicle for the first time". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  68. ^ a b c Baylor, Michael (May 17, 2019). "SpaceX considering SSTO Starship launches from Pad 39A". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on May 18, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  69. ^ Bergin, Chris [@NASASpaceflight] (April 5, 2019). "StarHopper enjoys second Raptor Static Fire!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Twitter.
  70. ^ Berger, Eric (July 26, 2019). "SpaceX's Starship prototype has taken flight for the first time". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  71. ^ Foust, Jeff (August 27, 2019). "SpaceX's Starhopper completes test flight". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  72. ^ NASASpaceflight (September 3, 2024). Starhopper Relocates At Starbase. Retrieved September 4, 2024 – via YouTube.
  73. ^ a b Berger, Eric (May 15, 2019). "SpaceX plans to A/B test its Starship rocketship builds". ars Technica. Archived from the original on May 19, 2019. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  74. ^ Ralph, Eric (December 24, 2018). "SpaceX CEO Elon Musk: Starship prototype to have 3 Raptors and "mirror finish"". Teslarati. Archived from the original on December 24, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  75. ^ Foust, Jeff (December 24, 2018). "Musk teases new details about redesigned next-generation launch system". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on December 25, 2018. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  76. ^ a b Wall, Mike (September 30, 2019). "'Totally Nuts'? Elon Musk Aims to Put a Starship in Orbit in 6 Months. Here's SpaceX's Plan". Space.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  77. ^ Bergin, Chris (October 30, 2019). "Starship Mk1 arrives at launch site ahead of flight test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  78. ^ "SpaceX's Starship is a new kind of rocket, in every sense". The Economist. October 5, 2019. Archived from the original on November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  79. ^ Wall, Mike (September 30, 2019). "'Totally Nuts'? Elon Musk Aims to Put a Starship in Orbit in 6 Months. Here's SpaceX's Plan". Space.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  80. ^ Grush, Loren (November 20, 2019). "SpaceX's prototype Starship rocket partially bursts during testing in Texas". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 21, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  81. ^ Wall, Mike (November 20, 2019). "SpaceX's 1st Full-Size Starship Prototype Suffers Anomaly in Pressure Test". Space.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  82. ^ Marley, Ronnie (November 20, 2019). "SpaceX moving to MK3 vehicle following incident at Boca Chica Facility". CBS News. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  83. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (December 28, 2019). "We're now building flight design of Starship SN1, but each SN will have at least minor improvements, at least through SN20 or so of Starship V1.0" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  84. ^ a b Wall, Mike (March 10, 2020). "SpaceX's latest Starship prototype passes big tank pressure test". Space.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  85. ^ a b Foust, Jeff (March 1, 2020). "Second Starship prototype damaged in pressurization test". SpaceNews. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  86. ^ Sheetz, Michael (October 17, 2019). "Aerial video shows SpaceX beginning construction of another Starship rocket in Florida". CNBC. Archived from the original on October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  87. ^ Berger, Eric (April 3, 2020). "SpaceX loses its third Starship prototype during a cryogenic test". arstechnica. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  88. ^ Baylor, Michael (April 26, 2020). "SN4 becomes first full-scale Starship prototype to pass cryogenic proof test". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  89. ^ Arevalo, Evelyn (May 9, 2020). "SpaceX completes another round of Starship tests at Boca Chica". Tesmanian. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  90. ^ Ralph, Eric (May 22, 2020). "SpaceX Starship prototype charred but intact after catching fire [photos]". Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  91. ^ Foust, Jeff (May 29, 2020). "SpaceX Starship prototype destroyed after static-fire test". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  92. ^ Bergin, Chris (July 27, 2020). "Starship SN5 completes successful Static Fire test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  93. ^ Etherington, Darrell (August 5, 2020). "SpaceX Successfully Flies its Starship Prototype to a Height of Around 500 Feet". techcrunch. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  94. ^ @bocachicagal (February 4, 2021). "The crew are currently cutting around the upper portion of Starship SN5" (Tweet). Retrieved February 4, 2021 – via Twitter.
  95. ^ SpaceX Boca Chica: New 3mm Thick Test Tank Stacked – Starship SN6 Scrapped (YouTube). NASASpaceflight. January 12, 2021. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  96. ^ a b c Baylor, Michael (July 15, 2020). "Starship SN5 set for a static fire followed shortly by a 150-meter hop attempt". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020. The most recent test tank, designated SN7, achieved a record pressure before it failed. SN7 was the pathfinder vehicle for the switch to 304L stainless steel. The next test tank – designated SN7.1 – will feature further build-quality improvements, as it attempts to break the record set by SN7.
  97. ^ "As Starships line up, Musk calibrates expectations for SN8 test". November 1, 2020. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  98. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN8 History". nextspaceflight.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  99. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (December 9, 2020). "Fuel header tank pressure was low during landing burn, causing touchdown velocity to be high & RUD, but we got all the data we needed! Congrats SpaceX team hell yeah!!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  100. ^ Wall, Mike (December 10, 2020). "SpaceX's Starship SN8 Prototype Soars on Epic Test Launch, with Explosive Landing". Scientific American. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  101. ^ Ralph, Eric (December 14, 2020). "SpaceX almost drops finished Starship prototype – but it might be salvageable". TESLARATI. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  102. ^ SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship SN9 Gets a New Forward Flap – Tankzilla Prepared for move (YouTube). NASASpaceflight. December 20, 2020. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  103. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN9 History". nextspaceflight.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  104. ^ Wall, Mike (January 13, 2021). "SpaceX's Starship SN9 prototype fires up rocket engines three times in one day". Space.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  105. ^ Wall, Mike (January 15, 2021). "SpaceX swapping out two engines on Starship SN9 prototype ahead of test flight". Space.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  106. ^ Foust, Jeff (January 29, 2021). "FAA reviews delay SpaceX Starship test". SpaceNews. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  107. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (February 2, 2021). "Nice try, SN9! But didn't hit SN10 or the Tank Farm. You're next, SN10!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  108. ^ SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship Landing Pad Work ahead of SN10 Launch – SN11/SN16 Prepare. NASASpaceflight. February 11, 2021. Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  109. ^ @elonmusk (February 4, 2021). "It was foolish of us not to start 3 engines & immediately shut down 1, as 2 are needed to land. Will these changes be able to be implemented into the SN10 test flight? Yes" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  110. ^ Bergin, Chris (February 7, 2021). "Starship SN10's Raptors installed ahead of testing and refined landing attempt". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  111. ^ Ralph, Eric (February 23, 2021). "SpaceX Starship static fire bodes well for a launch later this week". www.teslarati.com. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  112. ^ Wall, Mike (February 25, 2021). "SpaceX fires up SN10 Starship prototype for 2nd time". space.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  113. ^ @elonmusk (March 3, 2021). "Launch abort on slightly conservative high thrust limit. Increasing thrust limit & recycling propellant for another flight attempt today" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  114. ^ "SpaceX's Starship rocket lands but then explodes". BBC News. March 4, 2021. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  115. ^ "Elon Musk reveals why the SN10 Starship exploded". Engadget. March 10, 2021. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  116. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 11, 2021). "Road open and workers heading back to the pad, led by the SpaceX Security Tesla with its disco lights flashing. That concludes Cryo proof testing for Starship SN11" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  117. ^ @NASASpaceflight (March 12, 2021). "Starship SN11 RCS (Reaction Control System) testing" (Tweet). Retrieved March 12, 2021 – via Twitter.
  118. ^ @NASASpaceflight (March 15, 2021). "Starship SN11. Aborted Static Fire" (Tweet). Retrieved March 15, 2021 – via Twitter.
  119. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 22, 2021). "STATIC FIRE! Starship SN11 has fired up her three engines ahead of a test flight (as early as Tuesday), pending good test data (looked/sounded good!)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  120. ^ Baylor, Michael [@nextspaceflight] (March 24, 2021). "SpaceX will conduct a second static fire test after one of three Raptor engines on Starship SN11 had to be removed for repairs. The static fire could occur as soon as Friday, pending Raptor readiness and road closures" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 31, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  121. ^ Mahlmann, Trevor [@TrevorMahlmann] (March 25, 2021). "It's up and it's good! SpaceX Raptor 46 has risen up into the engine bay to be installed" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 31, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  122. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 26, 2021). "STATIC FIRE! Starship SN11 fires up (at least) Raptor SN46. Providing the data review is good, a launch will be attempted later today" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 29, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  123. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (March 30, 2021). "@SpaceX Looks like engine 2 had issues on ascent & didn't reach operating chamber pressure during landing burn, but, in theory, it wasn't needed. Something significant happened shortly after landing burn start. Should know what it was once we can examine the bits later today" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  124. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 30, 2021). "Ended in a RUD. Remember, it's a test program and they've gained a lot of wins from the four flights. Stable controlled descent is one, but long-duration Raptor performance deserves a shoutout" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  125. ^ @bocachicagal (January 23, 2021). "Meanwhile, at SpaceX Boca Chica Starship SN10 took a peek out of the high bay as Starship SN12's aft section was being scrapped" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  126. ^ @elonmusk (November 25, 2020). "Major upgrades are slated for SN15" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  127. ^ "Starship SN15 Flight Test". SpaceX. May 5, 2021. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  128. ^ "SpaceX installs Starlink dish on upgraded Starship prototype". April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  129. ^ @op_boca (April 9, 2021). "Today, SpaceX teams conducted an ambient pressure test of Starship SN15" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  130. ^ "SpaceX's upgraded Starship gets frosty during cryogenic proof test". April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  131. ^ "When will SN15 launch? Live Updates". April 8, 2021. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  132. ^ @NASASpaceflight (April 26, 2021). "STATIC FIRE!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  133. ^ @elonmusk (April 27, 2021). "Starship SN15 static fire completed, preparing for flight later this week" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  134. ^ @TheFavoritist (April 28, 2021). "Starship SN15 static fires its Raptors again, though this time we believe only a single was engine fired" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  135. ^ Timmer, John (May 5, 2021). "SpaceX successfully lands a Starship test flight". arstechnica.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  136. ^ "SN15". The Starship Campaign. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  137. ^ Beyer, Jack [@thejackbeyer] (July 27, 2023). "RIP SN15" (Tweet). Retrieved September 11, 2024 – via Twitter.
  138. ^ SpaceX Boca Chica – SN20 Leg Skirt Spotted – BN1 Booster Double Section Lifted Onto New Stand. NASASpaceflight. March 8, 2021. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  139. ^ @NASASpaceflight (April 7, 2021). "As Starship SN15 prepares to roll to the launch site, the Forward Dome of SN20 has been spotted, with this vehicle set to be an Orbital Class Starship" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  140. ^ @_brendan_lewis (April 9, 2021). "The current status of SpaceX's Starship & Superheavy prototypes" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  141. ^ Clark, Stephen. "SpaceX outlines plans for Starship orbital test flight – Spaceflight Now". Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  142. ^ a b Jax (April 14, 2024). "Something New: What's the Hardware Status of Starship Version 2?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  143. ^ TheSpaceEngineer (November 2, 2024). "SpaceX's first true Human Landing System prototype". X (Formerly Twitter). Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  144. ^ Wall, Mike (August 10, 2022). "SpaceX fires up Starship and Super Heavy Booster 7 ahead of test flight". Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  145. ^ Ship 24 Undergoes Third Cryo Proof Test | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on July 15, 2022, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  146. ^ Ship 24 Completes Cryogenic Proof Testing | Starship Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  147. ^ Ship 24 Rolled Back for Raptor Installation | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  148. ^ Starship 24 Rolled To The Launch Site | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  149. ^ Ship 24 Lifted Onto Pad B for Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  150. ^ Ship 24 Spin Prime Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on May 1, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  151. ^ Fresh Raptor Engines Arrive (while others depart) | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  152. ^ Ship 24 Raptor Engines Tested with Two Spin Primes | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on August 12, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  153. ^ Starship and Booster Engine Testing Double Header | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  154. ^ Starship 24 Static Fire Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  155. ^ Booster and Ship Spin Prime Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  156. ^ Starship 24 Six Engine Static Fire Test | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  157. ^ Starship 24 Destacked Amid Potential Problems | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  158. ^ Starship 25 Rolled out and Starship 24 Re-Stacked | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  159. ^ Ship 24 Destacked from Booster 7 for Static Fire | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on August 11, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  160. ^ Starship 24 Single Engine Static Fire | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  161. ^ Booster 9 Rolls Out With All New Design | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  162. ^ Foust, Jeff (January 24, 2023). "SpaceX completes Starship wet dress rehearsal". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  163. ^ Starship 24 Destacked and Rolled Back for Final Launch Preparations | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on April 7, 2023, retrieved January 27, 2023.
  164. ^ Ship 24 Prepared for Flight | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on April 7, 2023, retrieved January 31, 2023.
  165. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Jax (November 18, 2023). "Preparing for Flight 2: The Chronological History of S25 & B9". Ringwatchers. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  166. ^ Jax (November 18, 2023). "Preparing for Flight 2: The Chronological History of S25 & B9". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  167. ^ Ship 26 Rolled Out for Static Fire | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023
  168. ^ Ship 26 Tested, Hot Stage Ring Removed Again | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  169. ^ @Ringwatchers (December 15, 2023). "Weird Events Today with Ship 26" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  170. ^ @Ringwatchers (December 20, 2023). "Lots of external stringers have been added to the bottom of Ship 26's Payload Bay section, now that's a weird one" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023 – via Twitter.
  171. ^ End of an Era! SpaceX's FINAL Starship Static Fire at Historic Pad!. Retrieved May 11, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  172. ^ Booster 11 Lifted Onto the OLM for Pre-Launch Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved May 12, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  173. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (May 25, 2024). Starbase Weekly, Ep.117: Second Launch Tower Construction Begins!. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via YouTube.
  174. ^ NASASpaceflight (June 3, 2024). It's Launch Week! (BONUS: Testing At Masseys) – Countdown to Launch. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via YouTube.
  175. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (August 14, 2024). "Old test vehicle Ship 26 is having its engines removed" (Tweet). Retrieved August 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  176. ^ Booster 9 Rolled Out and Lifted onto the Launch Mount | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023.
  177. ^ a b Jax (September 28, 2023). "A Critical Test: Ship 27 Makes a Confusing Comeback". Ringwatchers. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  178. ^ Jax (January 13, 2024). "Time for Round 3: What's New on Starship 28 & Booster 10?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  179. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l memereview (March 13, 2024). "Onward to Flight 3: The Complete History of S28 & B10". Ringwatchers. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  180. ^ a b Make Way! Starbase Demolitions Clear Room for Starfactory | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on June 7, 2023, retrieved June 8, 2023.
  181. ^ SpaceX Performs Second Attempt of B10/S28 Wet Dress Rehearsal, archived from the original on February 16, 2024, retrieved February 16, 2024.
  182. ^ SpaceX Launches Third Starship Flight Test, retrieved March 14, 2024.
  183. ^ a b c d e f g memereview (June 6, 2024). "Speeding on to Flight 4: The Chronology of S29 & B11". Ringwatchers. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  184. ^ SpaceX Tests Ship 29 in Preparation for the Fourth Starship Flight, retrieved March 7, 2024.
  185. ^ SpaceX Tests Ship 29 Again in Preparation for the Fourth Starship Flight, retrieved March 11, 2024.
  186. ^ SpaceX Static Fires Ship 29 in Preparation for the Fourth Starship Flight, retrieved March 25, 2024.
  187. ^ NASASpaceflight (May 16, 2024). SpaceX Tests the Full Stack of the Fourth Starship Flight Test. Retrieved May 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
  188. ^ NASASpaceflight (May 20, 2024). SpaceX Performs Wet Dress Rehearsal of Fourth Starship Flight Stack. Retrieved May 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
  189. ^ NASASpaceflight (May 28, 2024). SpaceX Performs Second Wet Dress Rehearsal of Fourth Starship Flight Stack. Retrieved May 28, 2024 – via YouTube.
  190. ^ a b c Full Replay: SpaceX Launches Second Starship Flight Test, archived from the original on November 22, 2023, retrieved November 30, 2023.
  191. ^ memereview (October 13, 2024). "Flight 5, Super Heavy's Return Home: The Complete History of S30 & B12". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  192. ^ memereview (October 13, 2024). "Flight 5, Super Heavy's Return Home: The Complete History of S30 & B12". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  193. ^ SpaceX Rolls Ship 30 for Testing. Retrieved May 1, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  194. ^ Flight 5 Starship Rolled Out and Ready to Test | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved May 4, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  195. ^ OLM Tested Ahead of Starship Flight 4 | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  196. ^ SpaceX Static Fires Ship 30 in Preparation for the Fifth Starship Flight. Retrieved May 7, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  197. ^ a b c d e f memereview (October 13, 2024). "Flight 5, Super Heavy's Return Home: The Complete History of S30 & B12". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  198. ^ NASASpaceflight (July 26, 2024). Falcon 9 No Longer Grounded - SLS Core Stage Arrives at KSC - The Flame Trench. Retrieved July 26, 2024 – via YouTube.
  199. ^ a b Weber, Ryan (August 9, 2024). "Flight 5 and 6 Preparations Underway as SpaceX reveals Raptor 3". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  200. ^ NASASpaceflight (September 21, 2024). SpaceX Stacks Ship 30 on Booster 12 | Starbase. Retrieved September 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  201. ^ NASASpaceflight (September 23, 2024). SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Fifth Flight of Starship - Booster 12 and Ship 30. Retrieved September 23, 2024 – via YouTube.
  202. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 7, 2024). SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Fifth Flight of Starship - Booster 12 and Ship 30. Retrieved October 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  203. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 11, 2024). FTS Installed Before Launch & Potential Catch | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved October 11, 2024 – via YouTube.
  204. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 9, 2024). Countdown to Launch - FTS Installed, and TFR Posted!. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via YouTube.
  205. ^ memereview (October 13, 2024). "Flight 5, Super Heavy's Return Home: The Complete History of S30 & B12". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  206. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 11, 2024). SpaceX Launches Starship for the Fifth Time (and Tries to Catch a Booster). Retrieved October 13, 2024 – via YouTube.
  207. ^ "Tiered Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Starship Indian Ocean Landings". FAA. March 13, 2024. p. 101. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  208. ^ Building Starbase MEGA BAY 2 (9 months in 10 minutes). Retrieved April 11, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  209. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (January 4, 2024). "Ship 31 going for a wander at the Production Site and heading into the High Bay" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024 – via Twitter.
  210. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (May 11, 2024). "With Booster 11 (Flight 4) now at the launch site. Ship 31 (Flight 6) is preparing to roll to Masseys" (Tweet). Retrieved May 11, 2024 – via Twitter.
  211. ^ Ship 29 Rolled Out for Full Starship Stack Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved May 14, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  212. ^ NASASpaceflight (July 3, 2024). Starship Launch Tower Sections Outfitted for Installation. Retrieved July 3, 2024 – via YouTube.
  213. ^ Priel, Elisar [@enneps] (July 4, 2024). "Compilation time-lapse of the two cryo-proof tests SpaceX teams performed this week on Starship S31" (Tweet). Retrieved July 4, 2024 – via Twitter.
  214. ^ NASASpaceflight (July 7, 2024). Starbase Prepares for Tropical Storm Beryl | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  215. ^ NASASpaceflight (August 6, 2024). Tower Module 6 Stacked, S30 Raptor Swapped | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved August 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  216. ^ NASASpaceflight (September 6, 2024). Starliner Leaves the ISS - The Flame Trench. Retrieved September 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  217. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (September 8, 2024). Starbase Weekly, Ep.132: Starhopper Moved and Ship Testing Continues!. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via YouTube.
  218. ^ memereview (March 13, 2024). "Onward to Flight 3: The Complete History of S28 & B10". Ringwatchers. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  219. ^ NASASpaceflight (September 20, 2024). SpaceX Rolls Booster 12 to the Launch Site (& Ship 31 Roll) | Starbase. Retrieved September 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
  220. ^ @elonmusk (November 24, 2023). "Four more Starships, the last of V1" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
  221. ^ memereview (October 13, 2024). "Flight 5, Super Heavy's Return Home: The Complete History of S30 & B12". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  222. ^ NASASpaceflight (June 24, 2024). Super Heavy Catch Attempt Test Incoming! | Starbase Update. Retrieved July 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  223. ^ @csi_starbase (December 1, 2023). "Ship 33 aft section was scrapped a few days ago. With S28-32 being the last of version 1 we should expect all components of S33+ to be deleted" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023 – via Twitter.
  224. ^ Jax (April 14, 2024). "Something New: What's the Hardware Status of Starship Version 2?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  225. ^ a b Starbase Weekly, Ep.112: Booster 11 Back On The Pad!. Retrieved April 7, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  226. ^ NASASpaceflight (July 29, 2024). Starship 2.0: New Hardware Spotted | Starbase Update. Retrieved August 4, 2024 – via YouTube.
  227. ^ Beyer, Jack [@thejackbeyer] (July 25, 2024). "The combined nosecone and payload bay for Ship 33" (Tweet). Retrieved July 25, 2024 – via Twitter.
  228. ^ NASASpaceflight (August 25, 2024). Starship Version 2 Aft Section Rolled Out for Stacking | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved August 25, 2024 – via YouTube.
  229. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 28, 2024). SpaceX's Next-Gen Starship Rolls Out | Starbase Update. Retrieved October 29, 2024 – via YouTube.
  230. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 31, 2024). New Starship Block 2 Cryo Proof Tested | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via YouTube.
  231. ^ @StarshipGazer (September 19, 2024). "Starship 34 nose cone rolled into the high bay today" (Tweet). Retrieved September 19, 2024 – via Twitter.
  232. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (September 23, 2024). "Ship 34 (Flight 8), currently two sections tall" (Tweet). Retrieved September 23, 2024 – via Twitter.
  233. ^ @labpadre (October 8, 2024). "The Ship 34 nosecone and payload section" (Tweet). Retrieved October 8, 2024 – via Twitter.
  234. ^ a b SpaceX Boca Chica – Header Tank tested to failure. Test Tank preps for transport. NASASpaceflight. January 26, 2020. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  235. ^ SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship SN2 Test Tank transported from Launch Site. NASASpaceflight. March 16, 2020. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  236. ^ a b Mali, Tariq (June 23, 2020). "Boom! SpaceX pops huge Starship SN7 test tank on purpose in pressure test". Space.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2021. SpaceX pushed a massive tank for its latest Starship prototype beyond its limits Tuesday (June 23) in an intentionally explosive test in South Texas. The Starship SN7 prototype tank ruptured during a pressure test at SpaceX's Boca Chica proving grounds, the second in just over a week for the spacecraft component.
  237. ^ a b Wall, Mike (September 24, 2020). "SpaceX pops Starship tank on purpose in explosive pressure test". Space.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  238. ^ SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship Header Tank Pressurization Test. NASASpaceflight. January 25, 2020. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  239. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN7 History". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  240. ^ Starship's SN7.1 Pushed To Failure (Time Lapse). LabPadre. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on February 23, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  241. ^ @elonmusk (September 26, 2020). "8 bar differential in ullage, 9 bar at base due to propellant head. It's enough. Improvements in work" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  242. ^ Ralph, Eric (January 27, 2021). "SpaceX's thin-skinned Starship 'test tank' passes first trial". Teslarati. Retrieved January 30, 2021. Known as Starship SN7.2, SpaceX's latest 'test tank' is the third to carry the SN7 moniker and appears to have been built primarily to test refinements to the rocket's structural design...the tank's most important task is determining if future Starships (and perhaps Super Heavy boosters) can be built out of thinner, lighter steel rings. Its domes appear to be identical to past ships but writing on the exterior of the tank strongly implied that its three rings were built out of 3mm steel rather than the 4mm sheets that have made up every Starship built in the last 12 months.
  243. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN7.2 History". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  244. ^ Bergin, Chris (February 7, 2021). "Starship SN10's Raptors installed ahead of testing and refined landing attempt". NASASpaceflight. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  245. ^ Mary [@BocaChicaGal] (March 15, 2021). "Starship SN7.2 is headed back to the production site at SpaceX Boca Chica" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  246. ^ SpaceX Boca Chica: Starship SN11 Abort Static Fire – SN7.2 Moved to the Production Site. NASASpaceflight. March 15, 2021. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  247. ^ Jax (December 31, 2022). "Remembering 2022: What Happened to Starship This Year?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  248. ^ Starbase Weekly, Episode 81, retrieved July 12, 2023.
  249. ^ Starbase Isn't Slowing Down! | SpaceX Starbase Update, retrieved September 25, 2023.
  250. ^ Massive Plumbing Installed for the OLM Deluge Plate | SpaceX Boca Chica, retrieved July 12, 2023.
  251. ^ a b NASASpaceflight (July 20, 2024). New Launch Tower is Rising Quickly | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
  252. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (July 25, 2024). Major Progress and Deliveries for Tower 2! | Starbase Flyover Update Episode 51. Retrieved July 26, 2024 – via YouTube.
  253. ^ NASASpaceflight (July 29, 2024). Starship 2.0: New Hardware Spotted | Starbase Update. Retrieved July 29, 2024 – via YouTube.
  254. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (July 27, 2024). Starbase Weekly, Ep.126: Ship 30 Static Fire Test Completed!. Retrieved July 27, 2024 – via YouTube.
  255. ^ NASASpaceflight (September 8, 2024). Chopsticks Perform Catch Simulation | SpaceX Boca Chica. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via YouTube.
  256. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 21, 2024). Flight 6 Preps Underway | Starbase Update. Retrieved October 22, 2024 – via YouTube.
  257. ^ a b Aravelo, Evelyn (January 10, 2020). "SpaceX conducted a pressure test on a Starship dome tank at Boca Chica today". Tesmaian. Archived from the original on January 11, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  258. ^ a b SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship Test Tank 2 Destructive Cryo Test (YouTube). NASASpaceflight. January 29, 2020. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  259. ^ Ralph, Eric (January 12, 2020). "SpaceX just blew up a Starship tank on purpose and Elon Musk says the results are in". Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  260. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (January 27, 2020). "Starship 9m test tank made 7.5 bar at room temp! Small leak at a weld double. Will be repaired & retested at cryo. https://t.co/Bz3lrwkYRU" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  261. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (January 28, 2020). "Farewell Test Tank 2, and we thank you. https://t.co/Je69rLmr28 https://t.co/AUpIb7kv24" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  262. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (January 29, 2020). "8.5 bar" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  263. ^ Jax (December 31, 2022). "Remembering 2022: What Happened to Starship This Year?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  264. ^ GSE Test Tank Undergoes Cryogenic Proof Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on April 27, 2023, retrieved January 19, 2022.
  265. ^ GSE-4 Tank Fails During Testing | SpaceX Boca Chica, archived from the original on August 11, 2023, retrieved January 20, 2022
  266. ^ a b c Why SpaceX Could Be Forced To Abandon Starship Payloads Until 2024!, archived from the original on December 13, 2023, retrieved December 13, 2023.
  267. ^ The SpaceX Military Starship Is Real! How's This Going To End?, archived from the original on December 12, 2023, retrieved December 12, 2023.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SpaceX_Starship_(spacecraft)&oldid=1256254256#SN16"