SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced that the Starship rocket is primed and ready for launch following a series of successful engine tests. However, before takeoff can occur, the aerospace company must receive clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Earlier this week, SpaceX shared a brief video showcasing the Starship rocket, which consists of the first-stage Super Heavy rocket and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft, at the company’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This footage came after the Super Heavy completed its inaugural flight in April, which was unexpectedly cut short due to a technical issue. As a result, SpaceX engineers performed a controlled explosion to terminate the mission.
One of the challenges faced during the initial flight was the immense thrust of the Super Heavy’s 33 Raptor engines, which caused significant damage to the launchpad. To address this issue, SpaceX engineers have developed and tested a water-cooled flame deflector and a steel water-deluge system. These innovations are designed to withstand the intense heat and force generated by the rocket as it departs from the launchpad.
However, before the engines can be reignited for the second test flight, the FAA must complete an assessment regarding the impact of the first flight on the surrounding environment. Concerns have been raised by environmental groups who argue that the FAA did not adequately evaluate the potential environmental damage caused by SpaceX’s rocket prior to its initial launch.
If the upcoming test flight proves successful, SpaceX plans to utilize the Super Heavy for crewed missions to the moon, Mars, and potentially even further destinations in space. The company has already secured a contract with NASA to deploy a modified version of the upper-stage Starship, known as the Starship spacecraft, for the Artemis III crewed landing on the moon, which is scheduled for 2025.
The outcome of the next test flight holds significant weight, as any setbacks could potentially impact the tight timeline for NASA’s first crewed lunar landing in 50 years.
