SpaceX is all set to conduct the third test flight of the behemoth Starship Super Heavy after two attempts that exploded mid air.
As anticipation builds for the third test flight, we revisit the dramatic moments of the previous launch that marked both an achievement and a learning curve for SpaceX.
SpaceX’s Starship vehicle embarked on its second integrated test flight on November 18, 2023.
WATCH STARSHIP SUPER HEAVY’S SECOND TEST FLIGHT
The second test flight was a critical step in SpaceX’s ambitious project to develop a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying humans to Mars and beyond. The launch saw the Starship vehicle, consisting of the stainless-steel reusable upper stage known as Starship and its Super Heavy first-stage booster, reach space successfully.
This achievement demonstrated the performance of its booster and introduced a new stage separation technique, showcasing the innovative engineering that SpaceX is known for.
However, the mission was not without its challenges. Late in its ascent, the Starship vehicle encountered difficulties that led to its breakup. The second stage of the Starship continued to accelerate for over eight minutes, reaching an altitude of 149 km.
Unfortunately, towards the end of the second stage burn, the ship vented excess liquid oxygen, resulting in a fire and the eventual loss of the vehicle.
SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk later explained that a propellant dump caused the destruction of the Starship upper stage, attributing it to the absence of satellites which would normally consume the liquid oxygen.
Despite the setback, the incident provided valuable insights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified 17 corrective actions for SpaceX to take before the next flight, focusing on improving leak reduction, fire protection, and refining operations associated with the propellant vent to increase reliability.
As SpaceX gears up for its third test flight, the lessons learned from the second launch are instrumental in refining the design and operations of the Starship vehicle.
With ambitious objectives including the successful ascent burn of both stages, opening and closing Starship’s payload door, and a controlled reentry, the upcoming test flight promises to be another significant milestone in SpaceX’s journey to revolutionise space travel.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
