By
Mayowa Adebajo
April 18th, 2024
The Starship team is working hard to deliver on NASA’s bid to explore the lunar ecosystem.
According to CEO, Chairman and CTO Elon Musk, after conducting several technical tests, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation alias SpaceX may conduct a Starship rocket system launch in March. The tech billionaire, who founded the space exploration company in 2002, said that if the remaining tests go well, then a Starship attempt launch will take place next month.
SpaceX’s Starship program has attracted huge attention from space enthusiasts since it is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Quantitatively, the Starship can carry up to 150 metric tonnes to Earth orbit reusable, and up to 250 metric tonnes expendable.
As such, the success of the Starship program is expected to be a huge leap in humanity’s journey toward space exploration.
If remaining tests go well, we will attempt a Starship launch next month
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 4, 2023
Notably, the Starship test flight is expected to launch from the Starbase spaceport site in Boca Chica in Texas. Afterward, SpaceX engineers could oversee the rocket booster, Super Heavy, return to land at Starbase or in the Gulf of Mexico.
Strenuous Starship Past Launch Attempts
The SpaceX engineers have been put under immense pressure after failed past Starship missions, which resulted in flames. The billion-dollar project is expected to fine-tune its Rapture engine together with the drone landing capabilities to guarantee a successful launch attempt.
Previously, Musk had teased the launch of Starship either by the end of February or in early March. With SpaceX’s vast investment in space communication using Starlink technology, Musk intends to maintain clear communication with the Starship at all stages of the test flight. Moreover, the company confirmed it to the SEC through filings
“Multiple Starlink terminals will be fitted to each vehicle to ensure a clear view of the SpaceX satellite constellation through the Starship flight profile. The terminals will use the same antenna and communications electronics as SpaceX’s previously authorized consumer terminals but with a revised enclosure and mounting that is suitable for the mission profile,” SEC filing by SpaceX reads.
As a result, the company will have complied with several regulations on radio waves interference among other needs. Additionally, the company will be able to detect and correct any technical error on time to avoid prior tragic instances. For instance, in early 2021, the Starship SN10 exploded in a blistering inferno after a reported methane leak.
Last year, Starship’s engine booster burst into flames even before taking off, which led to delays in expected flights.
Yeah, actually not good. Team is assessing damage.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 11, 2022
The Starship team is working hard to deliver on NASA’s bid to explore the lunar ecosystem. Last year, SpaceX’s Starship was selected by NASA to deliver on a sustainable Lunar exploration program.