SpaceX is preparing for a possible launch of its colossal Starship rocket, aiming for a date as soon as the upcoming Thursday. The company has announced that the third test flight of Starship is set for March 14, contingent on obtaining the necessary approvals from regulatory bodies.
The precise timing for the launch has not been officially disclosed on SpaceX’s website. However, a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, indicates a commencement time of 7:30 am EST. This information implies that SpaceX plans to start its broadcast around 30 minutes before the launch, pointing towards an 8:00 am EST liftoff.
SpaceX is advancing its Starship project through frequent testing, aiming to complete as much of the mission profile as feasible with each flight. The upcoming mission is expected to push the boundaries of what the Starship vehicle can achieve.
Among the objectives for this flight is the testing of several critical functions on the Ship 28 upper stage. These include opening the payload door, re-igniting the Raptor engines in space, and demonstrating the transfer of propellant during the coast phase of the flight.
The ability to transfer propellant in space is crucial for SpaceX’s future endeavors and the NASA Artemis program. This mission will focus on internal propellant transfer within Ship 28, setting the stage for future missions involving ship-to-ship propellant transfer.
To facilitate the transfer of fuel to the Human Landing System’s version of Starship, which is designed to transport astronauts to and from the lunar surface, SpaceX will need to conduct multiple Starship launches to orbit a tanker spacecraft.
Recent efforts have seen NASA and SpaceX testing docking mechanisms to enable the Orion spacecraft to dock with the HLS Starship in lunar orbit. These tests were conducted at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center, where the HLS program is headquartered.
Despite the absence of a payload on this third flight test, reaching orbit remains a critical objective for SpaceX. Elon Musk, the company’s founder, explained that the second flight test nearly achieved orbit, attributing the shortfall to the venting of liquid oxygen.
Musk stated, “Flight 2 almost actually made it to orbit. In fact, ironically, if had had a payload it would’ve made it to orbit,” highlighting that the absence of a payload inadvertently led to the mission’s failure to reach orbit.
The launch trajectory for this mission has been modified to aim for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean approximately an hour after liftoff. This new trajectory is designed to facilitate in-space engine burns and ensure maximum safety for the public.
SpaceX shared insights from the second Starship flight test, revealing that one of the Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster malfunctioned during a crucial phase of the flight, leading to the vehicle’s destruction.
The company has identified the likely cause of the booster’s failure as a blockage in the liquid oxygen filter, which compromised the engine’s performance. In response, SpaceX has improved the filtration system within the booster’s oxidizer tanks to enhance reliability.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded its investigation into the second Starship flight test, mandating a series of corrective actions for both the Super Heavy Booster and the Starship upper stage before a third flight can be authorized.
Prior to the third launch, SpaceX must secure a modified launch license from the FAA. The process for obtaining this license involves a comprehensive safety review and consultations with other regulatory agencies.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. has announced the temporary closure of Boca Chica Beach in anticipation of the Starship’s third launch. The closure is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during the test flight.
The FAA’s recent completion of the investigation into the second test flight has paved the way for the third launch. The investigation resulted in 17 corrective actions, with specific measures outlined for both the booster and the Starship.
The upcoming test flight is notable for its new flight path, which aims for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. This trajectory is intended to allow SpaceX to experiment with new techniques while prioritizing safety.
