SpaceX is preparing to transition to the second version of the Starship upper stage, following two explosive tests of the current version. In a recent update, Musk revealed the last four Version 1 Starships at the company’s Boca Chica, Texas facility, signaling the end of this developmental phase and the beginning of an upgraded version.
The announcement comes in the wake of two test launches of the megarocket – one in April and the other earlier this month – both of which ended in the destruction of the rocket. Despite these setbacks, SpaceX continues to demonstrate resilience and progress. The second test, known as the IFT-2 mission, showed notable improvements, including a smoother launch, more effective performance from the booster’s Raptor engines, and the successful implementation of a new stage separation technique called hot staging.
While the upcoming changes in Starship V2 may not be radical, they are crucial for the rocket’s development. Musk indicated that these upgrades would include increased propellant capacity, a reduction in dry mass, and overall greater reliability. Importantly, these enhancements focus on the Starship upper stage, distinct from the Super Heavy booster.
One significant development for Starship V2 is the next-generation Raptor engine. Musk expressed enthusiasm about the Raptor 3, which is expected to offer higher efficiency, increased thrust, and the elimination of the need for a heat shield, reducing the rocket’s weight. This new engine is projected to deliver approximately 17% more thrust than its predecessor.
SpaceX is also contemplating a change in the Starship configuration, potentially featuring nine Raptor engines instead of the current six. This would include three engines optimized for atmospheric use and six for space, enhancing the rocket’s payload capacity. Furthermore, the company is considering increasing the propellant volume by modifying the fuel tanks and possibly extending Starship’s height, thereby allowing for more fuel storage and extended mission range.
Despite the focus on V2, SpaceX plans to continue launching its Version 1 Starships, with four remaining ships identified for potential future tests. The third flight test is expected to occur soon, with Musk suggesting that the necessary hardware will be ready in a few weeks. However, the exact timing of this launch remains uncertain.
The second Starship launch was noteworthy for its attempt at hot-staging, a risky maneuver for such a large rocket. This phase involved igniting the Raptor engines of the upper stage while still attached to the booster, followed by a smooth separation of the two stages. Despite this success, both the booster and upper stage ultimately failed, with the booster exploding above the Gulf of Mexico and the upper stage meeting a similar fate later in the flight.
The reasons behind these failures are still being investigated, with speculation around the stresses of hot-staging and potential issues with engine relighting. The successful aspects of the launch, including the booster’s initial performance and the upper stage’s entry into outer space, provide valuable data for SpaceX’s ongoing development of Starship.
Before proceeding to the third test flight, SpaceX must obtain a new launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This process will involve a joint investigation into the causes of the previous flight’s failures, aiming to prevent similar issues in future launches. Despite the challenges faced, the recent tests have not caused any injuries or damage to public property, and the Boca Chica facility’s infrastructure, including a new water deluge system, performed well.
In conclusion, SpaceX’s journey with Starship continues to be a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and learning through failure. While the road to a fully operational Starship is filled with challenges, each test flight brings SpaceX closer to realizing its goal of a fully reusable, cost-efficient launch system for interplanetary travel. As SpaceX prepares for the next phase with Starship V2, the aerospace community eagerly anticipates further advancements and eventual success in this ambitious endeavor.
