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In these days SpaceX achieved the remarkable result of launching 31 space missions with Falcon rockets 9 (carrying 351 tons of payload into orbit). This is an excellent cadence that has allowed the same number of space rockets of the company to take off (and land) for the whole of 2021. The aim is to be able to perform at least 52 missions for this year, equal to – on average – one launch per week.
The real revolution will come however with Starshipif the latter will keep its promises now that there is the “green light” by the FAA, one of the pieces that was missing for the orbital launch test. In this case the cadence will be higher as the load capacity will be higher. To do this, however, it will be necessary to pass the tests that have been carried out for some time now in Boca Chica (Texas) and have recently seen a problem in Booster 7.
SpaceX and Starship tests in Boca Chica
A little over a week ago Booster 7which uses a 33-engine Raptor 2 configuration, saw an unexpected explosion at the bottom likely due to a loss of methane and oxygen. Elon Musk he stated that, although there was some damage, these were of modest extent “the damage seems to be minor, but we have to inspect all the engines. Better to do it in the high bay”. For this reason Super Heavy was taken from the launch pad to the Production Site on July 15 for further inspections inside the hall called Mega Bay. This obviously slowed down the testing phases.
Elon Musk inspecting the Booster 7 base for the past few days (source)
Musk himself wanted to personally inspect the base of Booster 7 to check for damage and repairs (with at least three motors being removed and taken to another area for more thorough inspections). Hopefully, the first orbital test could take place in August, around the same time that the Artemis I mission will be launched.
Also due to the explosion involving Booster 7 also the FAA has taken steps to understand the causes and ask for the necessary explanations a SpaceX (so as to guarantee the safety of the site and personnel). In the meantime, the tests of Ship 24which together with Booster 7could be the first Starship which will be launched into space. In the past few hours there has been a test of the cryogenic propellant tanks and it is expected that in the next few hours or days there will also be a test of the engines with their ignition.
The orbital test of Starship is next “big step” for the project of SpaceX, although not the last. We recall that NASA is looking with interest at this launcher considering that the upper stage (modified) will be used as a lander for the Artemis missions. Additionally, the US Department of Defense has expressed interest in having launchers that can carry troops and supplies across the world quickly.
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